This is a substantive update to the bill. v2 introduces a new requirement for a free tool to assist small businesses with onshoring, and significantly, adds a 4-year termination clause for the entire Act and its associated reporting requirements. It also mandates a study and annual reports to Congress on the webpage's effectiveness.
Reshoring American Manufacturing Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8]
- Committees
- Small Business Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 9, 2026
Bottom line
The RAM Act mandates the SBA to establish a four-year online resource hub to assist small businesses with onshoring their manufacturing operations to the U.S.
What it actually does
This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to create and maintain a public webpage for four years. This webpage will provide resources and information to help small businesses move their manufacturing operations back to the United States (onshoring). It will include contact information, a tool to identify onshoring assistance entities, and other relevant information. The SBA Administrator must also report annually to Congress on the webpage's effectiveness.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill will empower small businesses to bring manufacturing jobs and capacity back to the U.S., strengthening domestic supply chains and economic resilience. They contend that providing a centralized, accessible resource will reduce barriers for businesses considering onshoring, fostering economic growth and job creation within American communities. This initiative aligns with broader goals of national security and economic independence by reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the goal of onshoring is laudable, a dedicated webpage might be an insufficient or inefficient use of resources to address the complex challenges small businesses face when considering such a move. They might contend that the administrative costs of maintaining the site and conducting studies, even if small, could be better allocated to direct financial incentives or more robust technical assistance programs. Some might also question the actual impact of an informational website on significant business decisions like relocating manufacturing.
The bill is extremely short and straightforward, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly.
Section 2(a)
Mandate for SBA Onshoring Resources Webpage
This section requires the Small Business Administration (SBA), specifically through its Office of Manufacturing and Trade, to create and maintain a dedicated webpage within 60 days of the bill's enactment. This webpage will serve as a central hub for small businesses seeking information and resources on how to move their manufacturing operations to the United States.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for democratizing access to onshoring information, making it easier for small businesses, which often lack dedicated research departments, to explore and execute reshoring strategies. They believe it will directly contribute to strengthening domestic manufacturing.
Critics contend
Opponents might argue that existing resources already provide similar information, or that a passive webpage is unlikely to overcome the significant economic and logistical hurdles that prevent onshoring for many small businesses. They may suggest that this provision creates an administrative burden with limited tangible impact.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the low cost and broad accessibility of an informational website versus its potential effectiveness in driving complex business decisions like onshoring, which often require substantial capital and strategic planning beyond mere information.
Section 2(b) and 2(c)
Webpage Content Requirements and Annual Review
This section specifies that the webpage must include contact information for general inquiries and relevant SBA offices, a free tool to help businesses identify entities that can assist with onshoring, and other information deemed appropriate by the Associate Administrator. It also mandates annual input from the Chief Counsel for Advocacy for improvements and updates to the webpage for four years.
Section 2(d) and 2(e)
Effectiveness Study, Annual Reports, and Program Sunset
This section requires the SBA Administrator to conduct a study and submit a report to Congress on the webpage's effectiveness within two years of its establishment, with annual updates until four years after the bill's enactment. The entire Act and its requirements will terminate four years after the enactment date.
This Act and all its requirements will automatically terminate four years after the date it is enacted into law.
Section 2(e)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for pilot programs or initiatives where Congress wants to mandate an evaluation period before deciding on permanent status. It ensures the program is not perpetual without review.
Case for: Proponents argue that a sunset clause promotes fiscal responsibility and ensures that programs are re-evaluated for effectiveness before being continued indefinitely. It provides an incentive for the SBA to demonstrate the webpage's value within the four-year window.
Case against: Critics might contend that a four-year timeframe is too short to fully assess the long-term impact of onshoring initiatives, which often require sustained effort and may not show significant results within such a limited period. This could lead to the premature termination of a potentially beneficial program.
Estimated impact: Limits the duration of the SBA's mandate to maintain the webpage and conduct studies to four years.