Bill · H.R. 8649· House(119-HR-8649)
Expanding the Defense Industrial Base Sales Act
- Introduced
- 5/4/2026
- Last activity
- 5/13/2026 — Ordered to be Reported Unfavorably by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 23.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Baumgartner
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Expanding the Defense Industrial Base Sales Act," seeks to amend the Arms Export Control Act. It proposes to allow foreign military financing to be used for direct commercial contracts. This means funds could be used to buy defense articles, services, and design or construction services that are not sold directly by the United States Government. The Secretary of State would need to approve these uses in consultation with the Secretary of Defense. Additionally, the Secretary of State would be responsible for setting terms and conditions to protect national security interests.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+4
The bill specifically includes mandates to encourage participation by nontraditional defense companies, which often includes smaller entities.
Would business owners be better off under this?+4
The bill benefits business owners in the defense sector, especially those looking to enter as nontraditional companies.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
The bill encourages participation by nontraditional defense companies, which could stimulate job growth in the defense sector.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Nontraditional Defense Companies: Under Section 2(c)(4), the regulations developed may include efforts to encourage participation by nontraditional defense companies. This could provide opportunities for different types of businesses to enter the defense industry.
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Enhanced Accountability and Oversight: Section 2(c)(2) requires the creation of regulations relating to audit, reporting, and financial accountability standards. This is intended to ensure that the use of funds is properly tracked and reported.
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Security Protections: According to Section 2(b)(2), the Secretary of State can set specific terms, conditions, and limitations to advance the foreign policy and national security interests of the United States.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Potential for Oversight Burdens: Section 2(c)(1) requires the creation of new procedures for review and approval, which may create new administrative requirements for the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense.
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Compliance Requirements: Under Section 2(c)(3), there will be a need for regulations regarding compliance with end-use monitoring and export control requirements, which could impact how these commercial contracts are managed.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+4Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Foreign Aid+3Improves International Alliances+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2Improves Government Transparency+1
- 5/13/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported Unfavorably by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 23.
- 5/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/4/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York