The US National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has commended the House of Representatives after it passed provisions that could expand military procurement of American-made textiles.
The bill, named the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), sets policy and funding priorities for the US military.
This iteration features a key provision that would eliminate a statutory exemption under the Berry Amendment, which requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to purchase 100% US-made textiles and clothing.
NCTO says the new provision acts as a loophole allowing the US military to buy textiles abroad instead of American textile manufacturers as long as the purchase is at or below a small purchase threshold of $150,000 (£110,000).
“We commend the House for passing the FY 2026 NDAA with these critical provisions that bolster American manufacturing, strengthen economic competitiveness, and ensure our Armed Forces are equipped with the best US-made uniforms and gear,” said NCTO president and CEO Kim Glas.
“Our industry produces more than 8,000 products annually for the U.S. military—including over $1.8 billion in uniforms, footwear, and personal equipment—and plays a vital role in our national defense.”
The measure also closes another gap that has allowed troops to be supplied with foreign-made boots, which NCTO says has undermined US footwear manufacturers.
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