House NDAA Bill backs U.S. textile makers, closes military sourcing loopholes

The U.S. textile industry just scored a major win. The House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and tucked inside are two key provisions that could reshape how the military buys uniforms and gear.

One change targets a long-standing loophole in the Berry Amendment. This rule requires the Department of Defense to buy American-made textiles. But until now, purchases under $150,000 could bypass that requirement. The new NDAA bill eliminates that exemption, meaning more contracts will go to domestic manufacturers.

Another provision, pulled from the Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act, sets stricter rules for combat boots. Within two years, optional boots worn by service members must be made in the U.S. using American components—unless a rare exception applies. This move aims to support U.S. footwear producers who’ve been losing ground to foreign suppliers.

Kim Glas, President and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), praised the bill. She highlighted that the U.S. textile sector supplies over $1.8 billion in military gear annually and employs nearly half a million people. Glas also credited Representatives Don Davis and Pat Harrigan for leading the charge to close the Berry loophole.

The NCTO hopes the Senate will follow suit and include these measures in its version of the NDAA. If that happens, American textile makers could see a boost in demand—and U.S. troops could be outfitted with more gear made at home