01 — The Text
What.
- OMB must review federal agencies' use of 'lowest price technically acceptable' procurement rules.
- Agency must determine if this purchasing approach creates national security risks.
- OMB reports findings and recommendations to Congress.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Defense and security agencies affected: audit may restrict future purchases of cheap parts or services if foreign competitors dominate.
- Federal contractors win if audit tightens rules—suppliers can charge more when security concerns bar low bidders.
- Taxpayers face potential cost increases if 'lowest price' rules get restricted to protect domestic suppliers.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- House passed unanimously (417-0) March 3. Now in Senate Homeland Security Committee—next step is committee review or floor vote.
- Senate typically takes weeks to months on referred bills; no deadline specified in bill text.
- Contact your senator to express support or concern about procurement changes affecting federal spending.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Mar 4, 2025 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Mar 3, 2025 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Mar 3, 2025 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 417 - 0 (Roll no. 54). (text: CR H932)
- Mar 3, 2025 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 417 - 0 (Roll no. 54). (text: CR H932)
- Mar 3, 2025 — Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H937-938)
- Mar 3, 2025 — At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- Mar 3, 2025 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 856.
- Mar 3, 2025 — Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H932-933)