CLEAR (Committee Leadership and Enhanced Accountability for Resilience) Defense Production Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4]
- Committees
- Financial Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 21, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to improve accountability and strategic oversight of the Defense Production Act by centralizing leadership for its coordinating committee and creating a public-facing registry of its uses by federal agencies.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA) to enhance transparency and coordination in its application. It strengthens the DPA Committee by establishing a dedicated, senior-level Chairperson within the Department of Commerce with direct reporting authority and mandates the provision of necessary staff and resources. Crucially, it requires the establishment of a secure, electronic DPA Registry to record and describe how federal agencies use DPA authorities, with provisions for tiered access for federal users, Congress, and the public, while safeguarding national security information.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the bill will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to the use of DPA authorities, ensuring better coordination among federal agencies and providing the public and Congress with a clearer understanding of how these critical powers are deployed for national defense. They believe it will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of DPA implementation by fostering data-driven oversight and strategic planning.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that establishing a new registry and strengthening committee oversight could create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, potentially slowing down critical national defense responses and adding significant administrative and IT costs. Concerns could also be raised about the inherent difficulty of perfectly balancing transparency with national security, and the risk that even with safeguards, sensitive information could be compromised or that the public version of the registry might be too redacted to be truly useful.
The bill is short and relatively straightforward, making it accessible for a quick review by an informed reader.
Section 2(a)(2) amending DPA Section 722(b)(2)
Enhanced Role and Reporting for DPA Committee Chairperson
This provision designates the DPA Committee Chairperson as a senior, full-time employee of the Department of Commerce, selected by the Secretary of Commerce. The Chairperson will report directly to the Secretary on all DPA matters and will be primarily responsible for leading the Committee and ensuring the effective use of DPA authorities. They must also provide committee members with information on meeting frequency, content, and the type and quality of information needed from agencies.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this ensures dedicated leadership and accountability for DPA coordination, preventing the committee from being a secondary duty for busy officials. It centralizes oversight and improves strategic planning for the effective deployment of DPA powers.
Critics contend
Critics might argue this creates another layer of bureaucracy within the Department of Commerce, potentially slowing down agile responses required by the DPA, or that it centralizes too much power in one individual's hands.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for dedicated leadership and centralized coordination in DPA oversight against potential bureaucratic overhead and the desire for distributed agency autonomy in DPA use.
Section 2(a)(3) amending DPA Section 722(c)
Secretary of Commerce Support and Agency Coordinators
This section requires the Secretary of Commerce to ensure the DPA Committee Chairperson has the necessary staff and resources to carry out their duties and to submit funding requests for the Committee. It also mandates that each federal department or agency with delegated DPA authority designate a Senior Executive Service (SES) member to coordinate with the Chairperson on the effective use of DPA authorities.
Section 2(b)
GAO Report on DPA Committee Performance
Within two years of the bill's enactment, the Comptroller General of the United States (GAO) must submit a report to the House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. This report will assess the quality of coordination and planning by the DPA Committee, review information provided by its Chairperson, identify DPA authorities needing more attention, and offer recommendations for improving the Committee's coordination and planning.
Section 3, adding new DPA Section 724(a)
Creation of a Secure DPA Registry
This provision mandates the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the DPA Committee Chairperson, to establish a secure, electronic database called the 'DPA Registry' within one year of the bill's enactment. This registry will include records about how each authority under the Defense Production Act is used by the Federal Government.
Section 3, adding new DPA Section 724(b) and (c)
Data Requirements and Agency Reporting for DPA Registry
The DPA Registry must identify each use of DPA authority by any federal agency from one year prior to the bill's enactment, describing why and how the authority was used to accomplish national defense objectives. Federal agencies are required to submit this initial data within 180 days of the registry's establishment and provide quarterly updates with any new information that the DPA Committee Chairperson may require.
Section 3, adding new DPA Section 724(d) and (e)
Security and Tiered Access for DPA Registry
The Secretary of Commerce must ensure the DPA Registry is secure from cyberattacks and manipulation. It must also be structured to allow varying levels of access for different types of users, including federal employees/contractors, Congress, and the public. Access to national security-sensitive information may be limited, but the Secretary is mandated to maximize transparency by providing as much access to information as is practicable while preserving national security.