Congresswoman Sheri Biggs' First Bill Clears House Foreign Affairs Committee: Made-in-America Defense Act Advances

Washington, D.C. - In a milestone for her first term in Congress, Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (R-SC-03) announced today that her bill, the Made-in-America Defense Act, has officially passed markup in the House Foreign Affairs Committee. This marks the first bill authored by Congresswoman Biggs to advance through committee.

"Washington bureaucracy should never stand in the way of getting vital defense equipment to our allies or boosting American industry," said Congresswoman Biggs. "This bill cuts red tape, improves transparency, and makes sure our South Carolina manufacturers have a fair shot at contributing to national security."

The Made-in-America Defense Actstrengthens U.S. defense exports by:

• Encouraging greater participation by qualified American manufacturers in supplying allied nations;

• Making the list of restricted defense items public so everyone can see which products are limited to government-only sales; and

• Requiring the government to review that list every year to see if any restrictions can be removed.

Under current law, certain defense items are restricted to slow, government-run sales channels due to their classification, even when faster, commercial avenues exist. This bill codifies President Trump's executive order by streamlining the process while maintaining national security safeguards, opening doors for trusted American businesses, including those in South Carolina's Third District.

"Whether it's a precision machine shop in Anderson or textile and electronics suppliers across the Upstate, this bill means increased production, new high-paying jobs, and a stronger local economy," Congresswoman Biggs added. "We're putting their expertise to work, ensuring they can innovate, build, and deliver without getting bogged down by Washington's red tape."

The bill earned interest during committee discussions, with several members applauding its targeted focus on reform and expanding opportunity small business, all without compromising national security. The bill has earned the support of five cosponsors, including Rep. Ryan Zinke (MT-01), Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17), Rep. Michael Baumgartner, Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-03), and Del. James Moylan (GU-At Large).

The bill has also received strong endorsements from national industry leaders. The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) both submitted letters supporting the legislation, praising its potential to enhance U.S. competitiveness, speed up critical defense sales, and create opportunities for trusted manufacturers at home.

It now moves to the full House for further consideration.