Congressman Cory Mills Introduces the SAFE SERVICES Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Cory Mills (FL-07), along with Congressman Hamadeh (R-Ariz.), introduced the Securing American Firms & Expertise in Services (SAFE Services) Act, legislation to ensure American companies are prioritized for Department of War (DoW) professional services contracts critical to U.S. national security.

In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, the Department of War awarded more than $1 billion in professional services contracts to 616 foreign-owned companies, despite the availability of thousands of qualified American firms capable of performing the same work. These contracts include services such as engineering, architecture, design, consulting, program management, and legal advisory, many of which directly support the construction and sustainment of U.S. military facilities around the world.

While existing laws such as the Buy American Act and the Berry Amendment prioritize domestically produced goods, no comparable preference currently exists for defense professional services. The SAFE Services Act addresses this oversight by requiring the Department of War to prioritize American companies when procuring professional services essential to military readiness and infrastructure.

The SAFE Services Act would apply to defense professional services including:

• Engineering and architecture

• Design and environmental consulting

• Financial consulting

• Program management

• Legal advisory and other expert services as defined under the Federal Acquisition

Regulation

By leveling the playing field, the legislation strengthens supply chain security, supports American workers and small businesses, and ensures that sensitive defense-related work remains in trusted hands.

"American tax dollars should strengthen American companies and protect American security," said Congressman Cory Mills. "When foreign-owned firms are designing, advising on, or managing sensitive defense projects, we expose ourselves to unnecessary economic and national security risks. The SAFE Services Act closes that gap and puts American expertise first. America has the talent. America has the companies. It's time our defense procurement policies reflect that reality."

"The people in my district elected me to put America first. That means supporting American workers and revitalizing American industry. It's why I prioritized Arizona military communities and our local manufacturers in my amendments to the defense bill," stated Congressman Hamadeh, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. "This legislation by Rep. Mills helps codify that spirit. It requires the Department of War to prioritize American companies during the procurement of professional services. The economic and national security implications alone should demand a preference for American companies, but this bill will ensure it is more than a suggestion."

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