Sponsors (7)
The bill increases transparency and steers procurement toward U.S.-made ballistic fibers—supporting domestic industry and clearer labeling—but risks higher costs, supplier disruption, and potential delays in getting protective gear to officers.
U.S. ballistic-fiber manufacturers and their workers are more likely to get DOJ and grant-funded business because the bill discourages procurement of armor containing non‑U.S. fibers, supporting domestic production and jobs.
State, local, and federal law enforcement and procurement officials will receive clearer information about where body armor and ballistic fibers originate, improving procurement transparency and decision-making.
Agencies and the public will face fewer misleading "Made in America" claims on NIJ-listed armor that contains non‑U.S. ballistic fibers, improving sourcing accuracy and consumer/agency trust.
Law enforcement agencies and the people they protect could face reduced or delayed access to compliant body armor if sufficient U.S.-sourced fibers are unavailable, risking timely protection.
Taxpayers and government budgets (DOJ and grant-funded state/local agencies) may face higher costs if U.S.-sourced fibers are more expensive, increasing per-unit equipment costs or reducing procurement quantities.
Manufacturers and suppliers that rely on non‑U.S. ballistic fibers risk lost sales and disrupted contracts because DOJ procurement will exclude such fibers and labeling restrictions may reduce market access.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires NIJ country-of-origin disclosures for body armor and bars DOJ procurement of armor containing foreign-made ballistic fibers, with limited exceptions.
Requires the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to collect and publish country-of-origin disclosures for ballistic-resistant body armor and the ballistic fibers used in them, bans “Made in America” markings on NIJ-listed armor that contain non-U.S. ballistic fibers, and bars the Department of Justice from buying armor made from or containing foreign-grown or -produced ballistic fibers except in narrow exceptions. It also directs FLETC to provide training to state and local jurisdictions that apply for or receive DOJ grants about the disclosure requirements and establishes deadlines for NIJ rulemaking and list updates.
Official title: To require the Department of Justice to procure ballistic-resistant body armor manufactured using domestic ballistic fibers.
Introduced May 4, 2026 by Clay Higgins · Last progress May 4, 2026