To require a briefing on increasing procurement of strategic and critical materials from sources in the United States.
Summary
S. 3164, introduced in the Senate, mandates a briefing from the Secretary of Defense to the Committees on Armed Services of both the Senate and the House. The briefing will focus on strategies to increase the procurement of strategic and critical materials from sources within the United States. This aims to bolster domestic production and reduce vulnerabilities in national security supply chains.
Expected Effects
The bill will require the Department of Defense to identify key strategic materials and recommend procurement amounts from US sources. It also mandates the creation of a public list of materials and target procurement percentages for industry and allies. This could lead to increased domestic production and reduced reliance on foreign suppliers.
Potential Benefits
- Strengthened national security by reducing reliance on foreign sources for critical materials.
- Increased domestic production and job creation in the materials sector.
- Greater transparency through public availability of procurement targets.
- Enhanced collaboration with industry and allies.
- Potential for innovation and development of new domestic sources.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs associated with domestic procurement.
- Possible delays in procurement due to limited domestic supply.
- Challenges in meeting demand if domestic production cannot scale quickly enough.
- Risk of reduced competitiveness if domestic materials are more expensive than foreign alternatives.
- Potential for negative impacts on international relations if it is perceived as protectionist.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's provision for the common defense (Preamble). Congress's power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8) also supports this type of legislation, as it pertains to ensuring a stable supply of materials essential for national security. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).