William S. Knudsen Defense Remobilization Act
The William S. Knudsen Defense Remobilization Act would create the William S. Knudsen Commission for American Defense-Industrial Mobilization inside the legislative branch. Its purpose is to examine the United States’ defense industrial base and make recommendations to the President and Congress on how to strengthen domestic production capacity for defense during major war scenarios. The commission would evaluate lessons from recent conflicts (notably Ukraine), project future production needs, identify bottlenecks and regulatory burdens, and propose reforms to planning, procurement, and policy to expand and accelerate domestic defense manufacturing. A final report is due within one year, with an interim briefing and ongoing public input through hearings and an Industry Advisory Board. The act also lays out staffing, funding, and organizational rules, including a 12-member membership, staff support, and expedited security clearances. In short, the bill creates a time-limited, congressionally anchored expert body to diagnose the U.S. defense-industrial base, recommend reforms, and promote increased domestic production capacity in preparation for potential large-scale conflicts.
Key Points
- 1Establishment and composition of the Knudsen Commission: A 12-member body appointed by congressional leaders and Armed Services committee leaders, with qualifications focused on manufacturing, defense procurement, technology/innovation, and industrial policy.
- 2Core duties and assessments: The Commission will review the defense industrial base, assess production requirements for major wars across multiple theaters, analyze lessons from Ukraine and other conflicts (including a classified annex), identify bottlenecks and regulatory burdens, and evaluate current capacity and the potential to convert civilian facilities to defense use during emergencies.
- 3Recommendations and reporting: The Commission must propose strategies to increase U.S. defense production capacity, recommend reforms to federal programs and regulations, assess burdens from various agencies (DOE, EPA, DOC, DOD, SBA), and specify funding needs. A final report is due within one year, plus an interim briefing at 180 days and ongoing public hearings.
- 4Public engagement and input: The Act requires at least four public hearings per year and the creation of an Industry Advisory Board (up to 10 members) including industry experts, manufacturing representatives, small-business contractors, workers, and private investors to inform the Commission’s work.
- 5Government cooperation and resources: The Commission can request information from several federal agencies (DOD, DOE, DOC, EPA, SBA, Treasury, USTR) and may receive other services and support as authorized by law. It also includes provisions for staff support, security clearance processing, and contracting with a federally funded research and development center.
- 6Funding, status, and termination: The bill authorizes $7 million for the Commission, with funds available until expended. The Commission is a legislative advisory committee and is exempt from the Federal Advisory Committee Act. It terminates 90 days after delivering its final report, though the 90-day window can be used to conclude activities and provide testimony.