Congressman Pat Harrigan announced on May 4 that he is co-leading the Ballistic Armor Made in America Act of 2026, which aims to require body armor manufacturers to disclose the country of origin for ballistic fibers and ban federal funds from being used to purchase armor containing non-American fibers.
The proposed legislation seeks to address concerns about national security and transparency in government procurement. Law enforcement officers may be purchasing body armor labeled as American-made when it actually contains Chinese fibers, raising questions about safety and supply chain integrity.
“Law enforcement officers are buying body armor they believe is made in America, and in too many cases, they are wrong. Chinese fibers are being woven into these products, stamped with a Made in America label, and sold to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day. That is a national security risk, and a betrayal of the people protecting this country. This bill ends it. Full transparency on where these fibers come from, and not a single federal dollar going to armor that does not meet the standard,” said Congressman Pat Harrigan.
Congressman Clay Higgins said, “Federal law enforcement should wear ballistic armor made in America, not China. This is a national security issue, as well as a matter of integrity in government procurement. As chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement, I will continue to stand with the Thin Blue Line.” Congresswoman Sheri Biggs added her support: “I am proud to join Congressman Higgins and Congressman Harrigan on this important effort to make sure the armor protecting our law enforcement officers is American-made. The men and women who put their lives on the line every day deserve gear they can trust. This bill closes a dangerous loophole, strengthens our supply chain, and keeps taxpayer dollars from supporting foreign adversaries like China.”
Under this legislation companies submitting ballistic-resistant body armor for National Institutes of Justice compliance must disclose fiber origins publicly; any product containing non-American fibers cannot be marketed or labeled as Made in America. Agencies at all levels would be barred from using federal funds for such purchases except under narrow circumstances similar to existing Department of Defense or Homeland Security rules. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers would also provide training about these requirements.
Harrigan has recently increased his political profile after defeating Ralph R. Scott Jr., winning 57.5% of votes according to official results.
The Ballistic Armor Made in America Act will now move forward for committee consideration.
