ASME Endorses Legislation to Expand Manufacturing Skills and Workforce Development

A highly skilled workforce is essential to maintaining U.S. leadership in advanced manufacturing. To help address growing workforce needs, ASME has expressed its support for H.R. 9097, the American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program Act, bipartisan legislation that would create an international exchange program for U.S. manufacturing professionals to gain hands-on technical experience and certifications abroad.

In a letter to the House Committee on the Judiciary, ASME Executive Director/CEO Thomas Costabile outlines how the legislation would strengthen workforce development, foster international collaboration with allied nations, and help prepare the next generation of engineers, technicians, and manufacturing professionals.

Read the full letter below.



June 29, 2026

The Honorable Bill Huizenga
U.S. House of Representatives
2232 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Subject: Support for H.R. 9097, the American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program Act

Dear Congressman Huizenga:

On behalf of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), I am writing to express our support for H.R. 9097, the American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program Act. We appreciate your leadership, along with Representatives Johnny Olszewski, Young Kim, Glenn “GT” Thompson, and Gus Bilirakis, in advancing bipartisan legislation to strengthen the American manufacturing workforce and expand access to high-quality technical training.

ASME’s mission is to advance engineering for the benefit of humanity. For almost 150 years, ASME has supported engineers, technicians, manufacturers, educators, and industry leaders through standards development, professional development, certification, technical communities, and workforce programs. We see firsthand that the future of American manufacturing depends on a skilled, adaptable workforce prepared to apply advanced technologies across sectors such as automotive, aerospace, semiconductors, energy, robotics, and additive manufacturing.

H.R. 9097 would establish the American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program within the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. By enabling eligible Americans working in manufacturing fields to receive hands-on training and certifications in allied countries with deep manufacturing expertise, the program would help participants return to the United States with practical skills, global perspective, and technical competencies that can be applied directly in domestic manufacturing operations.

This approach is well aligned with the needs of U.S. industry. Manufacturers across the country face persistent shortages of technicians, machinists, engineers, production specialists, and other skilled professionals. At the same time, companies are working to reshore production, modernize supply chains, deploy advanced manufacturing technologies, and compete in a rapidly changing global economy. International exchange and training programs can complement domestic workforce development by accelerating skills acquisition, strengthening partnerships with allied nations, and exposing U.S. workers to proven manufacturing practices and certification models.

ASME is particularly encouraged that the legislation recognizes the importance of applied, hands-on learning. Workforce development is most effective when it connects technical education with real-world manufacturing environments, industry-recognized credentials, and opportunities for workers to bring new knowledge back to their employers and communities. The exchange program envisioned in H.R. 9097 would help build a stronger talent pipeline while supporting U.S. competitiveness, innovation, and national resilience.

We are pleased to join a broad coalition of supporters representing labor, manufacturing, engineering, international exchange, and advanced technology organizations. ASME believes H.R. 9097 offers a constructive, bipartisan path to help address the manufacturing skills gap and support the continued revitalization of American manufacturing.

Thank you for your leadership on this important issue. ASME looks forward to working with you and your colleagues to advance policies that strengthen the manufacturing workforce, promote engineering excellence, and ensure the United States remains a global leader in advanced manufacturing.


Sincerely,


Thomas Costabile, P.E., FASME
ASME Executive Director/CEO