Bill > S3320

This bill aims to prohibit the federal government from purchasing solar panels manufactured or assembled in China by establishing a comprehensive ban on procurement from Chinese entities. Specifically, within 180 days of enactment, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) must develop guidelines preventing federal funds from being used to purchase solar panels made by "covered entities" - defined as companies domiciled in China or under Chinese government or Communist Party influence. The bill requires the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to update procurement regulations accordingly and prohibits the use of government purchase cards for such solar panels. An exemption process allows agency heads to request a waiver if a Chinese entity is the only viable source, but such waivers must be jointly approved by the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security. The bill also mandates a Comptroller General report tracking federal solar panel procurement and requires OMB to commission an independent study examining the domestic solar panel market, technological capabilities, and global supply chain. Additionally, the bill specifies that "solar panels" refer to crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and modules, and it requires quarterly reporting to congressional committees about any waiver requests. The overall intent is to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese solar technology and support domestic solar panel production.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3320/all-info