Despite a bipartisan push to mandate American-made combat boots for U.S. troops, House lawmakers voted down the BOOTS Act in a 38-18 vote in 2026, ensuring that roughly 1 million pairs of foreign-made boots will continue to enter the military supply chain due to an existing loophole, according to Wwd. This decision affects domestic manufacturers and the broader national security framework.

Congress recognizes the national security and economic risks of relying on foreign-made military equipment, but they failed to pass legislation designed to prevent it. The failure to pass legislation designed to prevent reliance on foreign-made military equipment highlights a profound internal conflict within congressional priorities.

The U.S. military will likely continue to rely on foreign-made combat boots, further eroding domestic manufacturing capacity and potentially increasing national security vulnerabilities in the long term.

  • The Better Outfitting Our Troops Act (BOOTS Act) was struck down in a 38-18 vote in the House of Representatives, according to Wwd.
  • Lawmakers voted against the BOOTS Act, which would have mandated the U.S. military exclusively purchase American-made combat boots, according to Wwd.
  • A loophole in the Berry Amendment has led to the purchase of approximately 1 million pairs of foreign-made boots not compliant with the amendment, according to Wwd.
  • Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski's bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the BOOTS Act, was included in national defense legislation, according to Budzinski House.
  • The bill required the Secretary of Defense to issue regulations for optional combat boots worn by members of the Armed Forces, according to Congress.
  • The regulations would pertain to the manufacturing origin of the combat boots, according to Congress.

Why American Boots Lost Out

Cost is a significant factor in military procurement decisions. Offshore production costs a fraction of U.S. production, leading companies to prioritize profit margins by manufacturing abroad, according to Wwd. This economic incentive often outweighs concerns about domestic industry.