H.R.2551 - Military Installation Retail Security Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2551, the Military Installation Retail Security Act of 2025, aims to amend Title 10 of the United States Code to establish requirements for long-term concession agreements between the Secretary of Defense and certain retailers operating on military installations. The bill seeks to prevent retailers controlled by "covered nations" (as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 4872) from operating on military bases, with provisions for waivers and reporting requirements.
The bill mandates the Secretary of Defense to review existing agreements with covered retailers and terminate those found to be controlled by covered nations. It also requires retailers to disclose any relationships with covered nations to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) for investigation and approval.
This legislation intends to enhance national security by limiting the influence of potentially adversarial nations within U.S. military facilities.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to restrict or eliminate the presence of retailers controlled by certain foreign nations from operating on U.S. military installations. This could lead to changes in the types of businesses available on bases and potentially impact the prices and availability of goods and services.
It will also increase scrutiny and oversight of existing and future retail agreements on military bases. The Secretary of Defense will have increased authority to terminate agreements and require greater transparency from retailers.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security by reducing potential influence or espionage opportunities for adversarial nations.
- Increased transparency and accountability in contracting processes on military installations.
- Protection of sensitive military information and technologies from foreign access.
- Potential for increased opportunities for domestic retailers on military bases.
- Strengthened supply chain security within military facilities.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs or reduced choices for military personnel and their families if certain retailers are removed.
- Possible disruptions to existing retail operations on military bases during the transition period.
- Risk of retaliatory measures from covered nations, potentially impacting international trade or relations.
- Increased administrative burden for the Department of Defense in reviewing and monitoring retail agreements.
- Potential for legal challenges from retailers affected by the legislation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional power of Congress to provide for the common defense (Article I, Section 8). By regulating commercial activities on military installations, the bill aims to protect national security interests. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual liberties or rights protected by the Constitution.
However, the implementation of the bill must ensure due process and equal protection under the law (5th and 14th Amendments) for all retailers, including those potentially affected by its provisions. Any waivers granted by the Secretary of Defense should be transparent and justifiable to avoid arbitrary or discriminatory application of the law.
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).