Legislative Proposals To Reauthorize The Defense Production Act Of 1950

The Defense Production Act (DPA) of 1950 confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in the interest of national defense. The authorities can be used across the federal government to shape the domestic industrial base so that, when called upon, it is capable of providing essential materials and goods needed for the national defense. Though initially passed in response to the Korean War, the DPA is historically based on the War Powers Acts of World War II. Gradually, Congress has expanded the term national defense, as defined in the DPA, so that it now includes activities related to homeland security and domestic emergency management. The scope of DPA authorities extends beyond shaping U.S. military preparedness and capabilities, as the authorities may also be used to enhance and support domestic preparedness, response, and recovery from natural hazards, terrorist attacks, and other national emergencies. Congress may consider reauthorizing the DPA prior to its termination on September 30, 2014. In conjunction with, or separate from, authorizing legislation, Congress may evaluate the need to expand, restrict, or otherwise clarify the powers granted to the President in the DPA. Congress might also expand the notification, reporting, and rulemaking requirements of the law in order to aid future oversight of the DPA.

The Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA), provides the President a broad set of authorities to ensure that domestic industry can meet national defense requirements. In the DPA, Congress has found that "the security of the United States is dependent on the ability of the domestic industrial base to supply materials and services for the national defense and to prepare for and respond to military conflicts, natural or man-caused disasters, or acts of terrorism within the United States." Through the DPA, the President can, among other activities, prioritize contracts for goods and services, and offer incentives within the domestic market to enhance the production and supply of critical materials and technologies when necessary for national defense. Since 1950, the DPA has been reauthorized over 50 times by Congress, most recently in 2009. The majority of DPA authorities will expire on September 30, 2014, unless reauthorized. This book examines some of the extensive history of the DPA, focusing primarily on its creation and most recent legislative reauthorization.