Congresswoman Sheri Biggs' First Bill Passes the U.S. House
Expands Opportunities for Manufacturers and Suppliers, and Encourages Government Efficiencies
Washington, D.C. – In a milestone for her first term in Congress, Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (R-SC-03) announced today her first bill, the Made-in-America Defense Act, has officially passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
Aimed at expanding opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, the Made-in-America Defense Act will protect and expand good-paying jobs at home in the manufacturing sector, will assist our U.S. allies in procuring necessary equipment and services needed to maintain peace across the globe by streamlining the outdated governmental process, and increase transparency and accountability for how defense sales are handled.
“The current process in Washington has become far too bloated and inefficient, causing clogs in the supply chain which impacts every mom-and-pop distributor downstream,” said Congresswoman Biggs. “The Made-in-America Defense Act, which closely aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order, forces our federal agencies to look differently at these supply issues to find greater efficiencies and streamline the outdated process. It’s good for our small and medium-sized businesses. It’s good for our nation’s allies. And it’s good for America.”
The legislation codifies significant portions of the Trump Administration’s Executive Order, “Reforming Foreign Defense Sales to Improve Speed and Accountability.” Congresswoman Biggs’ legislation directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, to review the list of defense articles and services restricted to sale through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and assess whether certain items could instead be eligible for Direct Commercial Sales (DCS). The bill requires an annual report to Congress comparing delivery timelines, identifying delays, and recommending adjustments to the FMS-Only List.
The Made-in-America Defense act, passed with overwhelming support in the U.S. House, will now be sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.