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ICYMI: Ranking Member Maxine Waters Announces Major Democratic Wins in Defense Production Act Reauthorization

Washington, March 30, 2026

Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, announced major Democratic wins secured from the March 4th Committee markup of the bipartisan reauthorization of the Defense Production Act (DPA). Waters worked closely with Chairman French Hill (R-AR) to develop a unified bill that modernizes and strengthens this vital national security authority. The final legislation, H.R. 7688, the “DPA Modernization Act of 2026,” sponsored by Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH), and Juan Vargas (D-CA), Warren Davidson (R-OH), and Bill Huizenga (R-MI), reflects key Democratic priorities by expanding oversight, improving the law’s effectiveness, placing responsible limits on presidential power, where necessary, and ensuring the DPA remains strong and responsive for years to come.  

The bill advanced with overwhelming bipartisan support, passing out of Committee by a unanimous vote of 41–0. Many Democratic Members had provisions included in the HFSC-passed bill including:  

  • WATERS: H.R. 8030 – The “DPA TRANSPARENCY Act of 2026,” which would amend the Defense Production Act to limit eligibility for assistance, increase monetary penalties, and establish fraud risk management processes.  

  • HIMES: H.R. 3542, the “CLEAR (Committee Leadership and Enhanced Accountability for Resilience) Defense Production Act of 2025,” which would make improvements to DPAC management and function. 

  • BEATTY: H.R. 8038 – the “DPA Private-Sector Outreach Act of 2026,” introduced with Rep. Kim, would establish an online “one-stop shop” that allows Federal agencies to share information and resources with potential private-sector business partners. The provision also would require the agencies to do outreach with businesses to educate about the commercial opportunities available.  

  • LYNCH: H.R. 8053 – the “DPA Emerging Technologies Act,” which would allow the Defense Production Act (DPAC) to have subcommittees, but it also establishes one to cover Emerging Technologies. This subcommittee will examine how emerging technologies can be used across DPA priorities to improve efficiencies, encourage innovation, and address supply chain gaps. The subcommittee would also complete a study on a possible biomanufacturing reserve. Finally, the provision also requires the DPAC to meet at least twice a year.  

  • GREEN: H.R. 8071 – the “Strengthening and Improving Mobilization Act of 2026,” which requires the Defense Production Act Committee (DPAC) to conduct table-top exercises focused on identified threats to determine the resources needed and the best use of DPA authorities to quickly mobilize to address such threats.  

  • CASTEN: H.R. 8133, the “DPA Workforce and Skilled Labor Act of 2026”, which would allow DPA funds to be used to recruit, train, place, or retain workers in defense-critical occupations related to the activities funded. It also says that DPA agencies may enable manufacturers and government agencies to develop facilities and hire employees in economic empowerment zones and emphasize the hiring and retraining of veterans transitioning from active service.  

  • FIELDS: H.R. 8136 – the “DPA Advanced Procurement Act of 2026,” which would require a study on long-lead procurement (items that take months and years to complete and thus cannot be obtained in an emergency without planning ahead) and stockpiling study. This especially applies to essential national defense needs, such as critical minerals, shipbuilding, and munitions.  

  • GOTTHEIMER: H.R. 8138, the “DPA Specialized Staffing Act,” which would give DPA agencies special hiring authority to hire subject-matter experts to allow them to more effectively deploy DPA funds to address identified national-defense needs.  

  • VARGAS: Similar to his bill, H.R. 1325, the “COVID–19 Emergency Medical Supplies Enhancement Act of 2021,” from the 117th Congress, these provisions would establish a public outreach representative at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during public health crises. This representative would have expertise in the production or distribution of medical supplies or equipment and would be a government-wide point of contact for the private sector, encouraging partnerships between companies and maximizing use of the DPA authorities in crisis.  

 
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