Bill > HR1167

This bill aims to prohibit U.S. federal agencies from purchasing solar panels manufactured or assembled by entities from China, with several key provisions. Within 180 days of enactment, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) must develop guidelines preventing federal funds from being used to buy solar panels from "covered entities" - which are defined as any entity domiciled in China or under the influence of the Chinese government. The bill also requires the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to update procurement regulations to enforce this prohibition, including banning the use of government purchase cards for such solar panels. The legislation includes a limited waiver process where an agency head can request an exemption if a Chinese entity is the only viable source of solar panels, but this requires joint approval from the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security. Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive study by a federally funded research center to examine the domestic solar panel market, technological capabilities, and global supply chain within one year of enactment. The Comptroller General is also required to submit a report to Congress detailing the amount of solar panels procured from Chinese entities. The bill defines solar panels specifically as crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, and aims to strengthen U.S. domestic solar manufacturing by reducing reliance on Chinese-produced solar technology.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1167/all-info