Bill · H.R. 8285· House(119-HR-8285)
Protecting American Competition Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/15/2026
- Last activity
- 4/22/2026 — Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
- Sponsored by
- Darrell Issa
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 3
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The Protecting American Competition Act of 2026 aims to amend the Export Control Reform Act of 2018. It requires the Under Secretary for Industry and Security to consider whether a license application is the first of its kind for a specific item being sent to an ultimate end user. If an initial license is granted, the Under Secretary should attempt to timely process subsequent applications from other applicants for similar items to that same end user. The Under Secretary is also required to submit annual reports to specific congressional committees regarding these licensing occurrences. Additionally, the Act requires an initial report on how these new implementation protocols are being handled.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill mandates annual reports to congressional committees detailing initial licenses and competing applications, increasing oversight of the licensing process.
Would business owners be better off under this?+3
Business owners seeking export licenses may benefit from more timely processing of subsequent applications for similar items.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+3
The bill's requirement for timely processing of subsequent license applications could facilitate more efficient market entry for competing businesses.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Transparency for Oversight: The Under Secretary must submit annual reports to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate detailing initial licenses and any competing applications (Section 2(a)(3)). This allows for better tracking of how export licenses are being distributed.
-
Timely Processing of Subsequent Applications: After an initial license is issued, the Under Secretary should attempt to manage subsequent applications for similar items to the same end user in a timely manner (Section 2(a)(2)). This could ensure that multiple applicants are processed efficiently.
-
Accountability through Implementation Reporting: The Under Secretary is required to submit a report within 90 days detailing how they are implementing new protocols and any changes made to licensing policies or operating protocols (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No change to National Security/Foreign Policy Protections: There is a rule of construction stating that nothing in the Act should force the Under Secretary to delay a decision or make a decision that goes against the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States (Section 2(a)(4)). This ensures that the new review process does not override essential security interests.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Intellectual Property Fairness+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade+2
- 4/22/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/16/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 4/15/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
James BairdRepublican · Indiana
Julie JohnsonDemocrat · Texas
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Gregory MeeksDemocrat · New York
Richard McCormickRepublican · Georgia
Brad ShermanDemocrat · California