TEXTILES.ORG
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) staff are considering proposals to reconfigure the Berry Amendment, including establishing a final assembly only requirement, allowing the use of foreign textile components. However, it’s important to note that any change to Berry Amendment rules would require action by Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA),
The 2026 NDAA is still under consideration in Congress, with the U.S. Senate and House passing different versions of the act earlier this year. Neither version includes a “final assembly only” requirement.
The U.S. Senate adopted its version of the NDAA Oct. 9. The Senate’s version did not include language to eliminate the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) level under the Berry Amendment. (The SAT allows the purchase of foreign-made military textiles for Department of War contracts below $150,000.) The House’s version, however, did.
The Senate’s version also did not include language from the Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act. The BOOTS Act directs the Secretary of War to issue regulations within two years that prohibit members of the armed forces from wearing combat boots that are not made in the U.S. with American-made components. Like the House, the Senate NDAA also blocks language that would have expanded PFAS restrictions on textile products procured by the U.S. military.
The NDAA now proceeds to a Conference Committee where the two chambers will attempt to reconcile any existing differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. As a result of the U.S. government shutdown, it is not known when the final version of the bill will be produced.
These topics are expected to be major agenda items for 2026 U.S. Industrial and Narrow Fabrics Institute (USINFI) Advocacy Days. The DOD awards about $2 billion in textile contracts annually for items such as uniforms, clothing, gear and shelters; the Berry Amendment ensures those taxpayer dollars remain with U.S. businesses.
USINFI and the Military Division of Advanced Textiles Association will continue to work together to advocate for issues pertinent to the industry and member companies.