Clay Higgins (R-LA)
Ballistic Armor Made in America Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Ballistic Armor Made in America Act of 2026," requires the Department of Justice to prioritize domestic production of body armor. It mandates that the National Institute of Justice require manufacturers to disclose where ballistic fibers are grown, produced, or recycled. It also prohibits the use of "Made in America" markings for products using foreign fibers. The Attorney General is prohibited from using Department of Justice funds to buy body armor containing fibers produced outside the United States, unless certain exceptions apply. Finally, the bill includes provisions for training regarding these disclosure requirements.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill requires the National Institute of Justice to publish specific disclosures regarding the origin of ballistic fibers for compliant products.
- Scored +5
Is this likely to create jobs?
The mandate for domestic sourcing of ballistic fibers is likely to stimulate employment in the American manufacturing sector.
- Scored +5
Would union members be better off under this?
Increased domestic manufacturing requirements typically lead to more domestic industrial jobs for workers.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency: Under Section 2(a)(1), manufacturers must disclose the specific countries where ballistic fibers are grown, reprocessed, reused, recycled, or produced, providing more information to the public and agencies.
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Protection of Domestic Branding: Section 2(a)(3) ensures that products using foreign fibers cannot use any markings or language related to the "Made in America" designation, protecting the integrity of that label.
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Support for Domestic Manufacturing: Section 2(b)(1) prohibits the Attorney General from using funds for body armor that contains fibers produced outside of the United States, which encourages sourcing from within the country.
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Educational Resources: Section 2(c) directs the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers to provide an educational training program for state or local governmental entities regarding the disclosure requirements.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Procurement Restrictions: Under Section 2(b)(1), the Attorney General is prohibited from using funds for certain body armor, which could impact the availability of gear unless the exceptions in Section 2(b)(2) are met.
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Exceptions for Cost and Availability: Section 2(b)(2) allows for an exception to the domestic requirement if the Attorney General determines that domestic fibers cannot be procured as and when needed at United States market prices.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The mandate for domestic sourcing of ballistic fibers is likely to stimulate employment in the American manufacturing sector. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Prioritizing domestic production can stimulate growth within the United States' specialized manufacturing industries. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The focus on domestic production may provide more opportunities for smaller American manufacturers of ballistic materials.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would union members be better off under this? — Increased domestic manufacturing requirements typically lead to more domestic industrial jobs for workers. Would business owners be better off under this? — American manufacturing businesses in the ballistic fiber industry will benefit from the new procurement requirements.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the National Institute of Justice to publish specific disclosures regarding the origin of ballistic fibers for compliant products.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — By securing domestic supply chains for body armor, the bill supports the reliability of equipment used by law enforcement and related security personnel.
- 10/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/18/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/7/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/4/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Sheri BiggsRepublican · South Carolina
Donald DavisDemocrat · North Carolina
Wesley HuntRepublican · Texas
Pat HarriganRepublican · North Carolina
Robert LattaRepublican · Ohio
John MoolenaarRepublican · Michigan
Gregory MurphyRepublican · North Carolina