American Glove Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15]
- Committees
- Oversight and Government Reform Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 1, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to strengthen the domestic supply chain for federal nitrile glove procurements by mandating U.S.-based manufacturing, ownership, and long-term procurement commitments, particularly within the AbilityOne Program.
What it actually does
This bill, the "American Glove Act of 2026," mandates that federal agencies procuring non-surgical nitrile gloves, especially through the AbilityOne Program, must source them exclusively from "qualified domestic manufacturers." It requires these procurements to include long-term supplier agreements (minimum two years) with binding purchase commitments, ensuring domestic production, U.S. ownership and control, and protection against significant foreign influence from entities of concern.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is crucial for national security and public health preparedness, ensuring a reliable domestic supply of essential medical and protective equipment. They contend it will reduce reliance on foreign entities, create American jobs, and strengthen the U.S. manufacturing base, especially in times of crisis, by guaranteeing long-term demand for domestic producers.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that mandating exclusive domestic sourcing could increase procurement costs for federal agencies, potentially limiting the availability of gloves or diverting funds from other critical areas. They might also raise concerns about potential impacts on existing AbilityOne program participants if they cannot meet the new domestic manufacturing requirements or find qualified domestic partners.
The bill is concise and its core provisions are clearly stated, making it accessible for a quick but thorough review.
Section 2
Key Definitions for Domestic Sourcing
This section defines critical terms, including "covered agency" (federal agencies procuring nitrile gloves), "covered nitrile glove" (non-surgical gloves for various protective uses), and "qualified domestic manufacturer." A "qualified domestic manufacturer" must produce gloves in the U.S., be majority-owned and controlled by U.S. persons, and not be subject to significant influence by a foreign entity of concern. It also defines "supplier agreement" as a long-term (minimum two years) binding purchase commitment with such a domestic manufacturer.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that precise and stringent definitions are essential to ensure the bill's intent is clearly understood and effectively implemented, preventing loopholes and ensuring only truly domestic products are procured for national security and public health.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that the strict definitions, particularly for 'qualified domestic manufacturer' and 'manufacture,' could be overly restrictive, potentially limiting competition or excluding some entities that contribute to the domestic supply chain but do not meet all criteria.
Tradeoffs
Balancing the desire for strict domestic sourcing and national security with potential impacts on market competition and existing supply relationships.
Section 3
Mandatory Domestic Sourcing for Nitrile Glove Procurements
This section mandates that federal agencies procuring covered nitrile gloves, including through the AbilityOne Program, must comply with the domestic sourcing and long-term contracting requirements of the existing Make PPE in America Act. It specifically requires that procurement vehicles include one or more "supplier agreements" with "qualified domestic manufacturers" for a minimum term of two years, ensuring exclusive domestic manufacturing. The provision also explicitly prevents the use of intermediary contracts to circumvent these domestic sourcing requirements.
Section 4
Strict U.S. Ownership and Control Requirements
This section reinforces the definition of a "qualified domestic manufacturer" by explicitly requiring that such an entity be majority-owned and controlled by United States persons. It further prohibits any significant direct or indirect influence by a "foreign entity of concern," detailing various arrangements (e.g., parent companies, joint ventures, contractual agreements, financing, technology licensing) that would disqualify a manufacturer from federal contracts.
Section 5
Agency Certification and Enforcement of Compliance
This section requires each covered agency to make and retain a written certification for every procurement vehicle, confirming its compliance with the Act's requirements, including domestic manufacturing by qualified domestic manufacturers and the two-year minimum term for supplier agreements with demand commitments. If non-compliance is found, the agency must take appropriate corrective action. It clarifies that this certification obligation rests with the covered agency, not the AbilityOne Program or its associated entities.