Summary of HR 5187: Domestic Bioindustrial Manufacturing Capacity Expansion

Bill Number: HR 5187

Title: To establish in the Department of Defense a program to support the expansion of domestic bioindustrial manufacturing capacity.

Status: Introduced in House

Introduced: September 08, 2025

Sponsors:

- Ro Khanna (Primary)

- Donald G. Davis (Cosponsor)

- John Garamendi (Cosponsor)

Related Bills: HR 3838 (Companion)

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of HR 5187 is to enhance the United States' domestic bioindustrial manufacturing capacity for critical biomanufactured products. This initiative is intended to bolster national security by ensuring a resilient supply chain for essential materials and technologies used by the Department of Defense (DoD).

Key Provisions

1. Program Establishment:

   • The Secretary of Defense is authorized to establish a program within one year of the bill's enactment to support the expansion of bioindustrial manufacturing facilities.

2. Award Process:

   • Eligible entities can apply for competitive awards to establish, upgrade, or retool bioindustrial manufacturing facilities.
   • The Secretary will evaluate applications based on criteria such as:
     • Potential to enhance domestic resilience and supply chains.
     • Capability to meet the needs of future military operations.
     • Geographic distribution and proximity to input materials.

3. Use of Funds:

   • Award recipients may use funds for establishing or upgrading facilities, including developing business and technical plans.

4. Reporting Requirements:

   • The Secretary must establish reporting requirements for award recipients, including progress updates and timelines for production.

5. Annual Reporting:

   • The Secretary is required to submit annual reports to the Armed Services Committees detailing:
     • Awards made, including recipient names, locations, and amounts.
     • Communication with eligible entities regarding the program.
     • Alignment of facility upgrades with DoD priorities.

6. Program Duration:

   • The program will terminate 10 years after enactment unless extended by the Secretary, based on national security needs.

Impact

• Entities Affected:

  • Private entities engaged in bioindustrial manufacturing that meet eligibility criteria will be directly impacted by the program.

• National Security:

  • The initiative aims to strengthen the U.S. military's supply chain for critical biomanufactured products, which could include chemicals and materials essential for defense operations.

• Economic Development:

  • By promoting the establishment and upgrading of manufacturing facilities, the bill could stimulate economic growth and job creation in the bioindustrial sector.

Procedural Aspects

• Timeline:
  • The Secretary must submit a plan for funding allocation within 90 days of enactment.
  • Annual reports on program activities will commence one year after enactment.

This bill represents a strategic effort to enhance the United States' bioindustrial manufacturing capabilities, ensuring that the nation remains competitive and secure in the face of evolving global challenges.