S. 2199: To require the Secretary of Defense to issue regulations requiring that optional combat boots worn by members of the Armed Forces wear be made in the United States, and for other purposes.

This bill requires the Secretary of Defense to create regulations stating that any optional combat boots worn by members of the Armed Forces must be manufactured entirely in the United States. The legislation outlines the following main points:

Manufacturing Requirements

No later than two years from the date this bill is enacted, the Secretary of Defense must enforce a rule that prohibits Armed Forces members from wearing optional combat boots as part of their required uniform unless these boots are:

• Completely manufactured in the United States, and
• Made from materials that are grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the United States.

Additionally, the components of the boots must also be made entirely in the U.S. from the specified domestic materials.

Exemptions

The bill includes provisions for exemptions under certain conditions:

• Availability Exemption: If there are specific operational needs, the Secretary of Defense can waive these manufacturing requirements for particular boots designed for specific uses within the Department of Defense.
• Medical Exemption: Members of the Armed Forces who need optional combat boots due to unique medical conditions will not be subject to this prohibition.

Definitions

The bill clarifies several key terms:

• Armed Forces: Referring to the military branches of the United States.
• Secretary concerned: The designated authority in charge of the respective military branch.
• Optional combat boots: Boots not issued by the Secretary of Defense but worn by service members.
• Required uniform: The uniform that members of the Armed Forces are mandated to wear.

Overall Impact

The legislation aims to ensure that optional combat boots are produced domestically, supporting U.S. manufacturing while setting regulations that govern what members of the Armed Forces can wear as part of their uniforms. The Secretary of Defense is granted some flexibility to adapt requirements based on specific needs or medical circumstances.

Relevant Companies

• NKE - Nike, Inc. may be affected as they manufacture and supply a variety of military and tactical footwear, including boots.
• FL - Foot Locker, Inc. might see changes in the sourcing and selling of combat boots due to increased manufacturing regulations.