Bill · S. 4685· Senate(119-S-4685)
Ending Double Dealing Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/4/2026
- Last activity
- 6/4/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- Joni Ernst
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill stops the Department of Defense from hiring consulting companies that also do business with certain foreign countries and groups like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Companies wanting to consult for our military must officially disclose any past or current ties to these foreign entities. If a contractor hides these relationships or lies about them, the military must cancel their contract and ban them for up to five years. Companies can regain eligibility only if they completely cut ties with those foreign entities and promise not to work with them while taking Department of Defense money. The Secretary of Defense is required to put these new rules into action and update acquisition regulations within a year.
Yes
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+8
The bill enhances national security and protects sensitive military information by barring defense consultancies that maintain ties with foreign adversaries.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
The legislation enforces strict disclosure requirements regarding contractor ties to foreign entities, improving transparency in defense acquisition.
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill expands federal oversight and regulatory requirements for Department of Defense contractors.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-2
Defense consulting firms face stricter compliance rules and potential bans if they maintain ties with covered foreign adversaries.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Better National Security Protection: By cutting off consulting firms that double-deal with foreign adversaries, this bill protects sensitive American defense information from falling into the wrong hands. This helps keep the country safe and holds contractors accountable for loyalty to the United States.
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Clear Disclosure Rules: Companies bidding for defense work must explicitly state whether they have financial ties to foreign adversaries, making the contracting process more transparent for the public and officials we elected to oversee these agencies.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Fewer Available Contractors: Because the bill bans any company with a history of hiding conflicts of interest or working with specific foreign entities, the Department of Defense might have a smaller pool of consultants to choose from, which could potentially slow down certain administrative support operations.
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+7Increases Federal Power+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+8
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-2
- 6/4/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- Introduced in Senate