H.R.675 - Domestic Security Using Production Partnerships and Lessons from Yesterday Act of 2025; Domestic SUPPLY Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 675, the Domestic SUPPLY Act of 2025, aims to enhance national preparedness for public health emergencies by establishing partnerships with domestic manufacturers of personal protective equipment (PPE). The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a program ensuring the availability of qualified PPE through contractual purchasing agreements with eligible manufacturers. This includes stipulations on domestic manufacturing percentages and adherence to quality guidelines.
Furthermore, the act restricts the use of federal funds for procuring clothing or equipment used to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases if manufactured outside the United States. It also mandates a report on the impact of changes to PPE requirements on frontline worker safety since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In short, the bill seeks to bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities for PPE and ensure a secure supply chain for future health emergencies.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is an increase in domestic PPE production and a reduced reliance on foreign manufacturers. This could lead to more resilient supply chains for essential medical equipment during public health crises. The bill may also result in increased costs for PPE due to the domestic manufacturing requirements and potential limitations on competition.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced National Security: Ensures a reliable domestic supply of PPE for public health emergencies, reducing dependence on foreign sources.
- Job Creation: Supports domestic manufacturing, potentially creating jobs in the PPE production sector.
- Improved Public Health Preparedness: Guarantees the availability of qualified PPE, improving the nation's ability to respond to health crises.
- Supply Chain Security: Requires manufacturers to have secure supply agreements, reducing the risk of disruptions.
- Quality Assurance: Mandates that PPE meets or exceeds quality guidelines from the CDC and OSHA.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Costs: Domestic manufacturing requirements may lead to higher prices for PPE compared to foreign-made alternatives.
- Limited Competition: Restrictions on foreign manufacturers could reduce competition and innovation in the PPE market.
- Potential for Delays: Establishing the manufacturing partnerships and meeting the domestic production requirements could take time, potentially delaying the benefits.
- Trade Retaliation: The domestic procurement requirements could provoke retaliatory measures from other countries, impacting international trade relations.
- Administrative Burden: The reporting requirements and oversight of the manufacturing partnerships could create an administrative burden for the Department of Health and Human Services.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's broad goals of providing for the common defense and promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. Specifically, the focus on national security through domestic manufacturing could be seen as an exercise of Congress's power to provide for the common defense. Additionally, the bill's provisions related to public health emergencies could be justified under the general welfare clause.
However, the domestic procurement requirements could raise concerns under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states and with foreign nations. While Congress has broad authority to regulate commerce, restrictions on foreign-made goods could be challenged as an impediment to free trade. The exceptions provided in the bill, referencing existing provisions in Title 41, United States Code, may mitigate some of these concerns.
Furthermore, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
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).