House Defense Bill Targets Berry Amendment Loophole and Backs USA-Made Combat Boots

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) said on July 16, 2025 that the House Armed Services Committee’s Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act includes two provisions aimed at buying more USA-made military textiles and footwear.

What is in the bill

First, the bill would remove a statutory exemption to the Berry Amendment that lets the military buy foreign textiles when a purchase is at or below the $150,000 small-purchase threshold. NCTO said Reps. Don Davis (D-N.C.) and Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.) led the effort.

Second, it includes language from the Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act. That provision would require the Secretary of Defense, within two years, to bar service members from wearing optional combat boots with a required uniform unless the boots are made in the USA with USA-made components, with some exceptions.

“The Berry Amendment requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to purchase 100% U.S.-made textiles and clothing. But the small-purchase exemption in the statute has led to U.S. military purchases of foreign-made textile articles.”

Kim Glas, President and CEO, NCTO

NCTO said the USA textile industry supplies more than 8,000 products a year to the armed forces, worth more than $1.8 billion annually. The American Apparel & Footwear Association also backed the measures, Just Style reported, while urging Congress to address federal prison factories’ preferential access to government contracts. At this stage, the provisions still needed a full House vote and agreement with the Senate.

Why it matters for Made in USA

The Berry Amendment is one of the strongest domestic-sourcing laws on the books, requiring 100% USA content for military clothing and textiles. Small exemptions add up, because many purchases fall under the threshold. Closing that gap sends steady orders to USA mills and sewing plants.

Boots matter for the same reason. Many troops buy optional boots with their own money, and those purchases have not had to meet Berry rules. A USA-made requirement would support domestic footwear factories and the leather, rubber and textile suppliers behind them, which is the industrial base the military depends on in a crisis.

FAQ

What is the Berry Amendment?

A federal law requiring the Department of Defense to buy textiles, clothing and certain other items that are 100% produced in the USA, with limited exceptions.

What is the BOOTS Act?

The Better Outfitting Our Troops Act would require optional combat boots worn with a uniform to be made in the USA with USA-made components, with some exceptions.

Did these provisions become law?

In July 2025 they were in the House committee version of the FY2026 NDAA. Final content depended on the House and Senate conference.