Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) has introduced legislation requiring the Department of War to prioritize American companies with defense contracts.
According to a press release from Rep. Mills, over 616 foreign-owned companies have received $1 billion in defense contract awards, despite numerous American-owned companies doing similar work.
Thus, the Securing American Firms & Expertise in Services (SAFE Services) Act requires these domestic companies to receive priority from the Department of War, in fields including engineering, architecture, environmental and financial consulting, program management, and legal advisory.
"American tax dollars should strengthen American companies and protect American security," Rep. Mills commented in a statement. "When foreign-owned firms are designing, advising on, or managing sensitive defense projects, we expose ourselves to unnecessary economic and national security risks. The SAFE Services Act closes that gap and puts American expertise first. America has the talent. America has the companies. It's time our defense procurement policies reflect that reality."
Representative Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ), the bill's cosponsor, added, "The people in my district elected me to put America first. That means supporting American workers and revitalizing American industry."
"It's why I prioritized Arizona military communities and our local manufacturers in my amendments to the defense bill," Rep. Hamadeh continued. "This legislation by Rep. Mills helps codify that spirit. It requires the Department of War to prioritize American companies during the procurement of professional services. The economic and national security implications alone should demand a preference for American companies, but this bill will ensure it is more than a suggestion."
The bill comes on the heels of Rep. Mills' Empowering Small-Business Ownership Participation (ESOP) Act, which requires the Department of War to adopt the Small Business Administration's (SBA) 30% employee-owned requirement, thereby increasing competition when seeking employee-owned companies to partner with.
"Employee-owned companies strengthen our economy, empower workers, and deliver proven value and innovation," the Florida Congressman previously expressed. "But the federal government shouldn't impose unnecessary barriers that prevent these businesses from competing.
