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Senators press nominee on Commerce program funding, MEP renewals, tech hubs and contracting backlog
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Summary
Senators pressed the Commerce nominee on whether the department will keep funding commitments to tech hubs, renew Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers and fix a contracting backlog that is putting NOAA operations at risk.
Several senators used the confirmation hearing to press Paul DeBarr on program funding across the Department of Commerce, including concerns about the Economic Development Administration (EDA), nonrenewal notices for Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers, technology hub commitments under the CHIPS and Science Act, and a reported contracting backlog in Commerce that threatens operations at NOAA and other bureaus.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin and others told the nominee that bipartisan efforts in recent Congresses codified and funded tech hubs and MBDA functions and warned that the administration’s budget proposals could eliminate EDA and undermine tech hub funding. Baldwin asked DeBarr to commit to provide the committee with a report on MBDA status and to keep promises made to tech hubs. DeBarr responded he would ‘‘follow whatever the law is and whatever is appropriated by Congress.’’
Sen. Jerry Moran, Sen. Gary Peters and others raised MEP concerns after the department notified 10 state MEP centers that funding would not automatically be renewed; senators said the centers help small and medium manufacturers and cited state examples where MEP saved jobs and helped firms adopt advanced processes. DeBarr said he had ‘‘awareness’’ of MEP and described his experience supporting manufacturing R&D when he ran national labs; he said he would ‘‘look into that program’’ and execute appropriations and authorizations.
Separately, committee members flagged a reported contracting backlog at Commerce that is delaying critical NOAA work: senators said NOAA had 5,700 contracts at risk of expiring this year and that a data center at Texas A&M was shut down for several days because of contracting delays. When asked whether he would address the contracting issue, DeBarr answered ‘‘Yes, chairman’’ and said he would work to improve contract processing.
Why it matters: EDA, tech hubs and MEPs are federal programs that support regional economic development and manufacturing. A contracting backlog that delays service agreements and operations can hinder disaster response, scientific instruments and routine maintenance for federal assets.
DeBarr said he would execute appropriations and authorizations and would review specific program questions and contracting procedures if confirmed. Senators said they would follow up in writing and oversight.
