Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act
Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act
Plain Language Summary
# HR 1166: Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act **What it does:** This bill prevents the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from buying batteries made by six specific Chinese companies, starting October 1, 2027. The goal is to reduce U.S. dependence on batteries from countries considered adversarial and protect national security. DHS can request exceptions if they determine the Chinese batteries pose no security risk and there are no comparable American or allied alternatives available at similar cost and quality. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily impacts DHS procurement practices and the federal agencies, contractors, and equipment manufacturers that supply batteries to DHS.
It could also influence broader U.S. battery supply chains and domestic battery production industries by encouraging development of non-Chinese alternatives. **Key provisions:** DHS must notify Congress within 15 days whenever they grant an exception to the ban. The law allows limited waivers for research, testing, and evaluation purposes. DHS is also required to report to Congress on anticipated impacts, presumably to track compliance and effectiveness. **Status:** The bill has passed the House and is awaiting Senate action.
CRS Official Summary
Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence ActThis bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using appropriated funds to procure a battery produced by certain entities, particularly six specific companies owned and operated in China. This prohibition begins on October 1, 2027.The bill allows DHS to waive the prohibition if DHS assesses in the affirmative that (1) the batteries to be procured do not pose a risk to U.S. national security, data, or infrastructure; and (2) there is no available alternative to procure batteries that are of similar or better cost and quality and that are produced by an entity not specified in this bill.DHS may also waive the prohibition upon a determination that the batteries to be procured are for the sole purpose of research, evaluation, training, testing, or analysis.The bill requires DHS to notify Congress within 15 days after granting a waiver under this bill.The bill also requires DHS to report to Congress on the anticipated impacts associated with carrying out this bill, including with respect to specified agencies of DHS.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.