H.R. 8285 · In committee · Foreign Trade and International Finance

Protecting American Competition Act of 2026

What it does

Direct the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security to consider whether an export license application is the initial license for a particular item to a specific end user.
Require BIS to process subsequent export license applications timely for different applicants seeking to export the same or similar items to the same end user after an initial license has been granted.
Mandate BIS submit annual reports to Congress detailing all initial export licenses granted.
Require BIS to report to Congress on how it implements the bill's provisions.

Official summary

Protecting American Competition Act of 2026 This bill establishes additional requirements for the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to review applications for export licenses and establishes related reporting requirements. Specifically, the bill directs BIS, when reviewing an application for a license or other authorization for the export, reexport, or in-country transfer of controlled items, to consider whether the requested license or other authorization would be the initial license or other authorization for the export, reexport, or in-country transfer of the item to an ultimate consignee or end user. After issuing an initial license or other authorization, BIS must attempt to administer in a timely manner any subsequent license application by a different applicant for the same or a similar item to the same ultimate consignee or end user as the initial license. The bill requires BIS to submit annual reports to specified congressional committees on initial licenses granted by BIS. Additionally, BIS must report to Congress on how it is implementing the bill's provisions.

Latest action

Apr 22, 2026: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.

Committee: House Foreign Affairs