FUSE Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
- Committees
- Armed Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 24, 2026
Bottom line
This bill mandates a Department of Defense pilot program to explore and validate the safe use of printable energetic feedstocks in additive manufacturing for munitions, aiming to improve safety, consistency, and supply chain resilience.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a Department of Defense pilot program, known as the FUSE Act, to evaluate the safety, quality, and qualification pathways of printable energetic feedstocks for additive manufacturing of munitions. It mandates a comparative safety assessment against traditional methods, outlines specific program objectives, and requires annual reporting to Congress for its five-year duration.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is crucial for modernizing munitions manufacturing, enhancing safety by reducing hazards associated with traditional methods, improving supply chain resilience, and leveraging advanced additive manufacturing technologies for national security. It ensures a structured, safety-first approach to adopting innovative materials, which is vital for maintaining a technological edge.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that while the goals are laudable, establishing a new pilot program could lead to redundant efforts or divert resources from existing research initiatives within the Department of Defense. They might also raise concerns about the inherent risks of experimenting with energetic materials, even under controlled conditions, and the potential for cost overruns in developing entirely new qualification pathways and infrastructure.
The bill is very concise and can be read quickly, allowing ample time for thorough evaluation of its provisions.
Section 2(a)
Establishment of the Printable Energetic Feedstocks Pilot Program
This provision directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program under the oversight of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, in collaboration with the Capability Program Executive, Ammunition and Energetics, and service acquisition executives. The program's core function is to thoroughly evaluate the safety, quality, and qualification processes for printable energetic feedstocks used in controlled additive manufacturing applications within the Department of Defense. This aims to ensure that new manufacturing techniques for munitions are rigorously tested before wider adoption.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that establishing a dedicated pilot program is essential for a coordinated, high-level effort to explore critical defense manufacturing innovations, ensuring a focused approach to a complex technological challenge.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision, as establishing a pilot program for research is a standard legislative approach to exploring new technologies.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for rapid innovation in defense manufacturing with the inherent risks associated with developing and handling energetic materials, requiring careful oversight and structured evaluation.
Section 2(b)
Objectives of the Pilot Program
This section outlines the five primary objectives of the pilot program. These include determining if printable energetic feedstocks can enhance handling safety, improve process stability, ensure lot-to-lot consistency, and bolster supply chain resilience compared to traditional methods. It also mandates an analysis of logistics impacts, the development of new test and evaluation methods, an assessment of the feedstocks' applicability to existing modernization efforts, and the identification of barriers to their widespread adoption, such as infrastructure and workforce needs.
Section 2(d)
Mandated Comparative Safety Assessment
This crucial provision requires the Secretary of Defense to conduct a detailed comparative assessment of the safety of printable energetic feedstocks against conventional energetics manufacturing. The assessment must cover hazards and risks during storage, transport, handling, and processing, as well as the materials' sensitivity to various stimuli. It also includes evaluating process safety considerations, modeling accident risks, and recommending specific safety controls, facility requirements, and operational constraints for any future use. This ensures a data-driven approach to understanding and mitigating risks.
Section 2(e)
Strict Safety and Security Protocols
This provision mandates strict adherence to comprehensive safety and security protocols for all activities conducted under the pilot program. It requires that all operations occur at facilities compliant with explosive safety standards and incorporate robust counter-diversion safeguards, inventory accountability, and chain-of-custody controls. Furthermore, it demands stringent cybersecurity and access controls for digital manufacturing files and prohibits the unauthorized dissemination of restricted manufacturing parameters outside approved government and cleared-industry channels, thereby protecting sensitive information and materials.
Section 2(f) and (g)
Congressional Reporting and Program Duration
This section establishes accountability and oversight for the pilot program. It requires the Secretary of Defense to submit annual reports to congressional defense committees, starting 180 days after the program's initiation. These reports must detail program objectives, participants, methodologies, test results, safety assessments, cost analysis, recommended qualification pathways, and any necessary legislative or regulatory actions. The pilot program itself is limited to a duration of five years from the date of enactment, ensuring a focused and time-bound evaluation period.