To require the Secretary of Defense to issue regulations requiring that optional combat boots worn by members of the armed forces wear be made in America, and for other purposes.
Sponsored By: Representative Budzinski
Introduced
Summary
Requires U.S.-made optional combat boots. This bill would require the Department of Defense to bar wearing optional combat boots as part of any required uniform unless the boots, their components, and the materials they are made from are entirely manufactured or grown in the United States.
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- Service members: Limits which privately purchased boots may be worn with a required uniform by applying only to boots not furnished by the Department of Defense. A medical exemption allows a waiver when unique physiological needs exist.
- Domestic manufacturers: Creates a strong market preference for U.S. boot makers because foreign-made or mixed-material optional boots would generally be prohibited when worn as part of a required uniform.
- Department of Defense: The Secretary would have 730 days to issue regulations and could grant narrow waivers for availability under 10 U.S.C. §4862 for specific uses and needs. The rule would apply uniformly across all branches of the armed forces.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New limits on optional military boots
If enacted, DoD would have 730 days to issue rules. The rules would bar wearing optional combat boots with a required uniform unless the boots, their parts, and materials are all made in the United States. Optional boots are those not furnished by DoD. Exceptions would apply for a unique medical need, or for boots made for a specific DoD use if a Secretary grants a waiver under 10 U.S.C. 4862(c). This could narrow boot choices and raise out-of-pocket costs for members who buy their own boots.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Budzinski
IL • D
Cosponsors
Bost
IL • R
Sponsored 6/26/2025
Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2]
ME • D
Sponsored 6/26/2025
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
PA • R
Sponsored 7/2/2025
Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4]
NV • D
Sponsored 7/10/2025
Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17]
IL • D
Sponsored 7/14/2025
McGovern
MA • D
Sponsored 7/14/2025
McBride
DE • D
Sponsored 7/22/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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