Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.1166 - Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 1166, the "Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act," aims to prohibit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from procuring batteries produced by specific foreign entities, primarily those linked to China, starting October 1, 2027. The bill outlines specific companies and entities subject to the prohibition, including subsidiaries and successors. Waivers are permitted under certain conditions, such as if the batteries do not pose a national security risk or are solely for research purposes, with congressional notification required.

Expected Effects

The act will likely force DHS to seek alternative battery suppliers, potentially increasing costs and impacting mission readiness in the short term. In the long term, it could stimulate domestic battery production and reduce reliance on foreign adversaries. The required report on anticipated impacts will provide further insight into the specific consequences for DHS components.

Potential Benefits

  • Reduced dependence on foreign adversaries for critical components.
  • Potential stimulation of domestic battery manufacturing.
  • Enhanced national security by mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities.
  • Increased transparency in government procurement processes.
  • Potential for innovation in domestic battery technology.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential increase in procurement costs for DHS.
  • Possible delays in acquiring necessary batteries, impacting operational readiness.
  • Limited availability of alternative suppliers in the short term.
  • Potential for unintended consequences due to broad entity definitions.
  • Possible impacts on international trade relations.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the Constitution's broad mandate to provide for the common defense and ensure national security. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and to provide for the common defense. The act's focus on securing supply chains and reducing dependence on potential adversaries falls within these enumerated powers. The reporting requirements also ensure congressional oversight, maintaining the balance of power.

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).