Pressure is intensifying on the U.S. Department of Commerce to reverse a decision that abruptly cut off manufacturing support across Ohio. Federal officials froze funding for Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network in December over audit-related reporting issues, triggering layoffs and halting projects already underway. Ohio leaders warn manufacturers are bearing the cost of an unresolved federal review. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted called for accountability, but stressed due process must come first. “If there was a single penny that was misspent or implemented wrongly, then I want that to be corrected,” Husted said. “There’s not a public official who has talked to more manufacturing businesses in Ohio than me.” The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association is working with Ohio’s MEP centers and state partners to press for answers and a swift resolution that restores certainty and keeps manufacturers focused on production, not paperwork. 1/14/2026