About the Caucus
Strengthening America’s Defense Industrial Base
In February 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives established the first-ever Berry Amendment Caucus — a bipartisan forum co-chaired by Representatives Pat Harrigan (NC-10) and Don Davis (NC-01) dedicated to the principle that the equipment defending the United States should be made in the United States.
The Warrior Protection & Readiness Coalition (WPRC) strongly applauds this milestone. Our member companies represent the full Berry Amendment–compliant domestic supply chain, manufacturing 100% American-made uniforms, body armor, ballistic helmets, textiles, load-bearing equipment and related gear for the warfighter.
The caucus provides a platform for Members of Congress to champion manufacturers in their districts, support enforcement of existing Berry requirements, and pursue modernization of the law to meet evolving warfighter needs.
Caucus Priorities
- Highlight the importance of domestic industrial capacity in textiles, uniforms, armor, and specialty materials
- Support factories and workers who manufacture Berry-compliant goods across the United States
- Educate Members of Congress on the full scope of products covered under the law
- Support consistent enforcement and modernization of Berry requirements to meet evolving warfighter needs
- Protect American manufacturing jobs while ensuring supply chain security for mission-critical gear
Founding Leadership
Caucus Co-Chairs
Co-Chair
Rep. Pat Harrigan
NC-10 • Republican
“You cannot be the strongest military in the world while depending on foreign supply chains for mission-critical gear. The equipment that defends the United States should be made in the United States.”
Co-Chair
Rep. Don Davis
NC-01 • Democrat
As North Carolina invests in a stronger future for our textile industry, we must strengthen the Berry Amendment, guaranteeing that every thread of the defense supply chain is American-made.”
Caucus Membership
Current Members
Rep. Pat Harrigan
NC-10 • Co-Chair
Rep. Don Davis
NC-01 • Co-Chair
Rep. Nikki Budzinski
IL-13
Rep. Rich McCormick
GA-07
Rep. Greg Murphy
NC-03
Rep. Chris Pappas
NH-01
Rep. Ralph Norman
SC-05
Rep. Chuck Edwards
NC-11
Rep. David Rouzer
NC-07
Rep. Tim Moore
NC-14
Rep. John Carter
TX-31
Rep. Gabe Amo
RI-01
Rep. Joseph Morelle
NY-25
Rep. Brian Mast
FL-21
Rep. Richard Hudson
NC-09
Rep. Mike Bost
IL-12
Rep. Mike Rogers
AL-03
Rep. William Timmons
SC-04
Rep. Andy Barr
KY-06
Rep. Jack Bergman
MI-01
The Law & Its Legacy
History of the Berry Amendment
First enacted in 1941 as part of the Fifth Supplemental Department of Defense Appropriations Act, the Berry Amendment was born from the urgent industrial demands of World War II. Congress recognized that the United States military could not afford to depend on foreign sources for mission-essential clothing, textiles, and equipment.
The law requires the Department of Defense to procure certain items — including textiles, clothing, footwear, body armor, tents, and food — exclusively from domestic sources. Unlike the broader Buy American Act, the Berry Amendment mandates that the entire production process, from raw materials to final assembly, be performed in the United States.
Today, Berry-compliant purchases represent approximately $5.3 billion in annual DoD spending. WPRC member companies are among the primary beneficiaries and strongest advocates for robust, consistent enforcement of this foundational law.
1941 First enacted
Introduced in the Fifth Supplemental DoD Appropriations Act to protect domestic manufacturing during WWII.
1952 Named for Congressman Berry
Annual defense appropriations restrictions formalized as “Berry Amendments,” honoring Rep. Ellis Y. Berry’s advocacy.
1993 Made permanent law
The Berry Amendment moved from recurring appropriations language to permanent statutory footing.
2002 Officially codified
Codified at 10 U.S.C. § 4862 through the FY2002 National Defense Authorization Act.
2026 Berry Amendment Caucus formed
First-ever congressional caucus dedicated to strengthening and modernizing the Berry Amendment established in the U.S. House.
THE MAN BEHIND THE LAW
Ellis Yarnal Berry
U.S. Representative, South Dakota • 1951–1971
Ellis Yarnal Berry was born on October 6, 1902 in Larchwood, Iowa. An attorney, newspaper publisher, and ten-term Republican congressman representing South Dakota, Berry built a career devoted to the interests of American workers and domestic industry.
During his first term in Congress, Berry introduced an amendment to the Buy American Act of 1933 to expand its coverage to all clothing, cotton, and wool. His persistent advocacy for domestic procurement restrictions on defense purchases shaped the legislative framework now bearing his name.
Berry served ten consecutive terms and was known for a practical conviction: that the materials equipping America’s military should be grown and manufactured by American hands. He passed away on April 1, 1999, at age 96. Every stitch of Berry-compliant gear issued to a U.S. servicemember today is part of his lasting legacy.
For decades, the Berry Amendment has ensured that our servicemembers have a secure supply chain for critical equipage and are never dependent on foreign supply chains for mission-essential gear. In war and in peace, the Berry Amendment guarantees that the United States is always capable of manufacturing the full spectrum of products needed to keep our troops combat ready.
DAVID COSTELLO
Executive Director, Warrior Protection & Readiness Coalition
Learn More & Get Involved
Read the original press release or learn more about WPRC’s advocacy on behalf of domestic warfighter equipment manufacturers.