0
A bill to prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from procuring certain foreign-made batteries, and for other purposes.
2/7/2025, 11:56 AM
Summary of Bill S 450
If passed, this legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security to only procure batteries that are made in the United States or from countries that are considered to be reliable allies. This measure is intended to ensure that the batteries used in critical infrastructure, such as communication systems, transportation networks, and emergency response equipment, are not vulnerable to supply chain disruptions or potential security threats.
Supporters of the bill argue that by sourcing batteries domestically or from trusted allies, the United States can better protect its critical infrastructure from potential cyber attacks, espionage, or other security risks. Critics, however, raise concerns about the potential impact on cost and availability of batteries, as well as the potential for retaliation from foreign suppliers. Overall, Bill 119 s 450 represents a bipartisan effort to strengthen national security and reduce vulnerabilities in the supply chain for critical infrastructure components. The bill is currently under consideration in Congress and will undergo further debate and scrutiny before potentially becoming law.
Congressional Summary of S 450
Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act
This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using appropriated funds to procure a battery produced by certain entities, particularly six specific companies owned and operated in China. This prohibition begins on October 1, 2027.
The bill allows DHS to waive the prohibition if DHS assesses in the affirmative that (1) the batteries to be procured do not pose a risk to U.S. national security, data, or infrastructure; and (2) 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.
The bill also requires DHS to report to Congress on the anticipated impacts associated with carrying out this bill, including with respect to specified agencies of DHS.
