H.R. 3542: CLEAR (Committee Leadership and Enhanced Accountability for Resilience) Defense Production Act of 2025

This bill, known as the CLEAR (Committee Leadership and Enhanced Accountability for Resilience) Defense Production Act of 2025, seeks to amend the existing Defense Production Act of 1950 with the following main provisions:

1. Improvements to the Defense Production Act Committee

The bill proposes changes to enhance the operation and leadership of the Committee responsible for implementing the Defense Production Act. Key amendments include:

• The Chairperson of the Committee will now be a senior, full-time employee from the Department of Commerce, specifically selected by the Secretary of Commerce.
• The Chairperson will have direct reporting authority to the Secretary of Commerce regarding the Committee's activities.
• The bill emphasizes the need for better coordination among federal departments involved in the Act's implementation.

2. Accountability and Reporting

New reporting requirements will be established to ensure accountability within the Committee:

• The Secretary of Commerce must ensure that the Committee has adequate resources and staff for its operations.
• There will be a mandated review by the Comptroller General of the United States within two years of enactment, assessing the Committee's coordination and planning effectiveness related to the Act.

3. Establishment of a DPA Registry

The bill introduces the requirement to create a digital registry, known as the DPA Registry. This registry will be developed by the Secretary of Commerce and will serve several purposes:

• It will document the use of authorities granted under the Defense Production Act by federal agencies, with records backdated one year prior to the registry's creation.
• Each recorded use must explain the rationale and objective connected to national defense.
• Federal agencies will be required to input and regularly update their use of these authorities in the registry, ensuring ongoing transparency.
• Security measures will be implemented to protect the registry from cyber threats.

4. Access and Transparency

The DPA Registry will have structured access allowing different types of users, including federal employees and the public, to obtain various levels of information:

• Access will be limited for sensitive information that could pose national security risks.
• While aiming to maintain transparency, the bill allows for necessary restrictions to protect sensitive data.

5. Purpose of the Bill

Through these amendments, the bill aims to improve the overall effectiveness and transparency of the Defense Production Act, thereby enhancing national preparedness and resilience in ensuring that the United States can meet its defense requirements.

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