House NDAA Bill strengthens U.S. textile industry with military procurement changes
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has praised the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) for passing the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes provisions aimed at boosting U.S. textile industry sales to the military.
A key feature of the bill is the closure of a loophole under the Berry Amendment, which allowed the U.S. military to buy textiles from overseas for purchases under $150,000. The new NDAA provision would eliminate this exemption, ensuring that more military textile purchases are made from American manufacturers. This change could bring millions of dollars in government contracts to U.S. textile producers.
The bill also incorporates elements from the Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act, a proposal championed by the NCTO. The provision would require the Secretary of Defense to implement regulations in the next two years ensuring that all optional combat boots worn by U.S. military personnel are made in the U.S. using American-made materials, with some exceptions.
Kim Glas, NCTO President and CEO, expressed support for the passage of the FY 2026 NDAA, noting that it would help strengthen domestic manufacturing and improve the U.S. military’s supply chain. “This is a win for the American textile and apparel industry,” Glas said. “We are deeply grateful for the leadership of Congressman Don Davis (D-NC) and Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC) in closing the Berry Amendment loophole.”
The Berry Amendment currently mandates that the Department of Defense (DOD) buy only U.S.-made textiles and clothing. But the exemption has led to foreign-made textile purchases, undermining American textile manufacturers. By eliminating this exemption, the U.S. military would be required to procure more American-made textile products and ensure compliance with the Berry Amendment.
The NCTO also highlighted the importance of the textile industry in supporting national defense. The U.S. textile sector provides more than $1.8 billion worth of uniforms and equipment to the military annually, supplying over 8,000 products crucial to the armed forces.
Kim Glas added, “It is vital to America’s national security that the U.S. military maintain the ability to source high-quality, innovative textile materials, apparel, and personal equipment from a vibrant American textile industrial base. “After passage of the FY 2026 NDAA by the full House, we look forward to working with the Senate and House to ensure this provision is included in the final NDAA conference report.”
The changes to military procurement in the NDAA mark a step forward for the U.S. textile industry, promising more opportunities for domestic manufacturers and supporting national defense efforts.
