TCF POST Report
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) applauded the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) on Friday for passing the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill includes critical reporting requirements aimed at strengthening enforcement of the Berry Amendment’s 100% “Made in America” rules.
The House NDAA bill authorizes funding levels and establishes authorities for the U.S. military. This year’s legislation features several key reporting requirements directing divisions within the Department of Defense (DOD) to tighten compliance with the Berry Amendment and Buy American requirements for textiles and apparel. The Berry Amendment strictly mandates that the DOD purchase 100% U.S.-made textiles and clothing.
Specifically, the committee has directed the DOD to deliver the following:
- Waiver & Supply Base Assessment: An evaluation of waiver usage under the Berry Amendment, a review of supplier verification and auditing practices, and actionable strategies to align contracting with the long-term health of the domestic defense textile industrial base.
- Small Purchase Thresholds: An assessment of the feasibility of narrowing the Berry Amendment’s small-purchase exception threshold from $150,000 down to $20,000, both broadly and specifically for textiles.
- Capacity Reviews: An examination of flame-resistant textile production capacity and resilience, alongside an investigation into potentially non-Berry-compliant Army service uniforms.
NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas highlighted that the U.S. textile industry supplies approximately $1.8 billion in advanced materials and components to the military annually.
According to Glas, implementing obligatory reporting requirements on procurement sends an important signal that Congress recognizes the strategic value of a robust domestic supply chain and is committed to protecting it.
“These provisions reinforce a simple but vital principle: America’s military should be equipped with American-made products whenever possible,” Glas said. “Strong enforcement of the Berry Amendment helps ensure our armed forces have access to reliable, high-quality textile products while sustaining the domestic manufacturing base that supports military readiness and national security.”
The Washington, D.C.-based trade association, which represents the spectrum of U.S. textile manufacturers, noted that the domestic textile supply chain remains a vital economic pillar, employing more than 453,000 workers.
