Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act
Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act
Plain Language Summary
# Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act – Summary **What the bill does:** This proposed legislation would prevent 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. reliance on batteries from companies deemed potential national security risks. The bill allows DHS to make exceptions in specific cases—for example, if no alternative batteries of similar quality and cost exist, or if the batteries are only for research and testing purposes. **Who it affects:** This primarily impacts DHS operations and procurement decisions. It could also affect companies that manufacture or supply these Chinese batteries to the U.S.
government, as well as private companies that contract with DHS. The requirement for Congress to be notified within 15 days of any waiver adds oversight responsibilities for lawmakers. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (S 450, 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but not yet voted on by the full Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL). The bill reflects broader concerns about supply chain security and reducing dependence on potentially adversarial nations for critical technology components.
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
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.