A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to issue regulations requiring that optional combat boots worn by members of the Armed Forces wear be made in the United States, and for other purposes.

This bill would require the Secretary of Defense to issue regulations within two years that prevent members of the Armed Forces from wearing optional combat boots as part of a required uniform unless those boots are entirely made in the United States. Specifically, both the boots and all their materials and components must be U.S.-made. The bill also provides targeted exceptions: (1) a waiver process for boots designed for a specific use or need, (2) a medical exemption for boots medically necessary to address a unique physiological need, and (3) a general availability/deliberate waiver process under existing law if a specific need cannot be met domestically. “Optional combat boots” are defined as boots not provided by the Department of Defense. The intent is to strengthen domestic manufacturing in military footwear and align procurement with a strict “Made in the USA” standard for gear worn as part of the uniform.