Bill Summary
The "DPA Emerging Technology Act of 2026" aims to enhance the Defense Production Act of 1950 by modifying the existing structure and functions of the Defense Production Act Committee. Key provisions include:
1. **Committee Structure Changes**: The Act establishes a requirement for the Committee to meet at least twice a year and grants the Chairperson the authority to form subcommittees to enhance coordination on specific activities.
2. **Creation of the Subcommittee on Emerging Technology**: This new subcommittee will focus on analyzing the impact of emerging technologies on national defense and how these technologies can improve efficiency and innovation across various industries and federal agencies. It will define "covered technology," which may include fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and semiconductors.
3. **Strategic Reserve Evaluation**: The subcommittee is tasked with producing a report within 18 months of the Act's enactment. This report will evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of creating a strategic reserve of critical biomanufacturing resources essential for national defense.
4. **Minor Technical Corrections**: The Act also includes a clarification to the citation of the Defense Production Act of 1950.
Overall, this legislation aims to modernize the Committee's operations and improve the U.S. government's response to emerging technological challenges in the context of national defense.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the DPA Emerging Technology Act of 2026 could affect people:
1. **Enhanced Job Opportunities in Emerging Tech Fields**: The establishment of a Subcommittee on Emerging Technology could lead to increased government investment in sectors like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and semiconductors. This may create new job opportunities for individuals with skills in these areas, as companies and federal agencies seek to innovate and enhance their capabilities to meet national defense requirements.
2. **Improved National Security through Technology Integration**: By analyzing the effects of emerging technologies on national defense, the legislation could lead to the development of advanced tools and systems that enhance national security. This could mean that individuals feel safer knowing that the government is proactively integrating cutting-edge technologies to address defense needs, which could also translate to more robust responses to potential threats.
3. **Impact on Supply Chain Resilience**: The focus on addressing supply chain gaps through the use of covered technologies could lead to more efficient production and distribution of essential goods. For the average consumer, this might translate to increased availability and potentially lower prices for products that rely on these technologies, as well as greater stability in the market during times of crisis. Additionally, it could foster innovation in various industries, benefiting consumers through improved products and services.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8053 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8053
To amend the Defense Production Act of 1950 to modify the requirements
of the Defense Production Act Committee, establish a Subcommittee on
Emerging Technology, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 24, 2026
Mr. Lynch introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Financial Services
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Defense Production Act of 1950 to modify the requirements
of the Defense Production Act Committee, establish a Subcommittee on
Emerging Technology, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``DPA Emerging Technology Act of
2026''.
SEC. 2. MODIFICATIONS TO THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT COMMITTEE.
Section 722 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4567)
is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections
(g) and (h), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new
subsections:
``(d) Meetings.--The Committee shall meet at least twice per year,
and at other such times as determined necessary by the Chairperson of
the Committee.
``(e) Authority To Establish Subcommittees.--The Chairperson of the
Committee may establish and convene such additional subcommittees of
the Committee as the Chairperson determines appropriate to improve
coordination among member agencies of the Committee regarding
particular activities authorized under this Act.
``(f) Emerging Technology Subcommittee.--
``(1) Establishment.--There is established within the
Committee a Subcommittee on Emerging Technology.
``(2) Activities.--The Subcommittee on Emerging Technology
shall analyze--
``(A) the effects, including potential benefits, of
covered technology on activities determined essential
to meet national defense requirements; and
``(B) how covered technology can be used within a
single industry or Federal agency, or across industries
and Federal agencies, to improve efficiencies,
encourage innovation, and address supply chain gaps.
``(3) Covered technology.--For purposes of this paragraph,
the Subcommittee shall establish a definition for the term
`covered technology' and, in establishing such definition,
shall consider including technologies in the fields of--
``(A) artificial intelligence and robotics;
``(B) biotechnology;
``(C) cryptography and quantum computing;
``(D) materials science;
``(E) semiconductors; and
``(F) space.''.
SEC. 3. REPORT ON POTENTIAL STRATEGIC RESERVE OF BIOLOGICAL INPUTS.
Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Subcommittee on Emerging Technology of the Defense Production
Act Committee (established under section 722 of the Defense Production
Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4567), as amended by this Act) shall submit to
Congress an evaluation of the potential benefits and drawbacks, and any
resources required, in establishing a strategic reserve of critical
biomanufacturing essential to meet national defense requirements under
the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.).
SEC. 4. SHORT TITLE CORRECTION.
The first undesignated section of the the Defense Production Act of
1950 is amended, effective on the date of enactment of such Act, by
striking ``cited as `the Defense'' and inserting ``cited as the
`Defense''.
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