Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act

1/14/2025, 7:03 PM

Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act of 2024

This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using appropriated funds to procure a battery produced by certain Chinese entities. This prohibition begins on October 1, 2027.

The bill allows DHS to waive the prohibition if DHS assesses in the affirmative all of the following:

  • the batteries to be procured do not pose a risk to U.S. national security, data, or infrastructure;
  • the entity that produced such batteries does not satisfy the criteria for listing under Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (i.e., designation as a Chinese military company) or Public Law 117-78 (i.e., goods produced using forced labor in China, especially the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region); and 
  • 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.

Bill 118 hr 8631, also known as the Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at reducing the country's dependence on foreign adversaries for battery technology. The bill seeks to promote the development and production of domestic battery technology in order to enhance national security and economic competitiveness.

The main provisions of the bill include establishing a grant program to support research and development of advanced battery technologies, providing incentives for domestic battery manufacturing, and creating a task force to assess the country's current reliance on foreign adversaries for battery supply chains. Additionally, the bill calls for increased collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions to accelerate the deployment of domestic battery technology.

Supporters of the bill argue that reducing dependence on foreign adversaries for battery technology is crucial for national security, as it would mitigate the risk of supply chain disruptions and potential cyber threats. They also believe that investing in domestic battery technology would create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and position the US as a global leader in clean energy innovation. Opponents of the bill may argue that government intervention in the battery market could distort competition and hinder technological progress. They may also raise concerns about the cost of implementing the bill and the potential impact on consumer prices. Overall, the Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act represents a bipartisan effort to strengthen the country's battery technology sector and reduce reliance on foreign adversaries. It remains to be seen how the bill will progress through Congress and what impact it will have on the US economy and national security.
Congress
118
Number
HR - 8631
Introduced on
2024-06-05
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

9/10/2024
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act of 2024

This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using appropriated funds to procure a battery produced by certain Chinese entities. This prohibition begins on October 1, 2027.

The bill allows DHS to waive the prohibition if DHS assesses in the affirmative all of the following:

  • the batteries to be procured do not pose a risk to U.S. national security, data, or infrastructure;
  • the entity that produced such batteries does not satisfy the criteria for listing under Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (i.e., designation as a Chinese military company) or Public Law 117-78 (i.e., goods produced using forced labor in China, especially the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region); and 
  • 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.

Bill 118 hr 8631, also known as the Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at reducing the country's dependence on foreign adversaries for battery technology. The bill seeks to promote the development and production of domestic battery technology in order to enhance national security and economic competitiveness.

The main provisions of the bill include establishing a grant program to support research and development of advanced battery technologies, providing incentives for domestic battery manufacturing, and creating a task force to assess the country's current reliance on foreign adversaries for battery supply chains. Additionally, the bill calls for increased collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions to accelerate the deployment of domestic battery technology.

Supporters of the bill argue that reducing dependence on foreign adversaries for battery technology is crucial for national security, as it would mitigate the risk of supply chain disruptions and potential cyber threats. They also believe that investing in domestic battery technology would create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and position the US as a global leader in clean energy innovation. Opponents of the bill may argue that government intervention in the battery market could distort competition and hinder technological progress. They may also raise concerns about the cost of implementing the bill and the potential impact on consumer prices. Overall, the Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act represents a bipartisan effort to strengthen the country's battery technology sector and reduce reliance on foreign adversaries. It remains to be seen how the bill will progress through Congress and what impact it will have on the US economy and national security.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from procuring certain foreign-made batteries, and for other purposes.
Policy Areas
Foreign Trade and International Finance
Potential Impact
Asia•
China•
Congressional oversight•
Energy storage, supplies, demand•
Foreign and international corporations•
Public contracts and procurement•
Research administration and funding

Comments

APPROVED
DK
Dylan Knox
@watercress_cicely_sorrel45916
I'm feeling sad about this new bill. It's going to have long term effects on all of us.
APPROVED
EM
Elias Meadows
@cherry_kokum_mushroom56522
I don't know much about this bill, but it sounds like another one of those government things that will probably just make things more complicated. Why can't they just leave things alone?

Recent Activity

Latest Summary9/10/2024

Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act of 2024

This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using appropriated funds to procure a battery produced by certain Chinese entities. This p...

Latest Action12/17/2024
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 713.