Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · S 1978
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1978Armed Forces and National Security
Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2025
INTRO JUN 5· LAST ACTION JUN 5
READING
8MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
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This bill matters because it tries to speed up how the U.S. develops new technologies for its military. In today's rapidly changing world, having the most advanced defense tools is crucial for national security and staying competitive against other global powers. If this bill becomes law, it would create dedicated regional centers focused on innovation, potentially leading to faster breakthroughs in areas like artificial intelligence, advanced weapons, and cybersecurity. This could strengthen the country's defense capabilities and ensure the military has access to the latest technology.
If the bill doesn't pass, the current methods for developing defense technology would continue without this new, focused regional network. This might mean slower innovation or a less coordinated approach, potentially leaving the U.S. at a disadvantage in future conflicts or in the global technological race. It also aims to foster local economic growth and create skilled jobs by connecting universities and businesses directly to defense research, meaning local communities could see benefits from federal investment in technology.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Requires the Secretary of Defense to establish a "Defense Technology Hubs Program" to designate and support regional centers focused on defense-related technologies.
This provision creates a new, structured national program to foster defense innovation at a regional level.
PROVISION 02
Mandates the solicitation of applications from 'eligible consortia' (universities, businesses, governments) and sets criteria for selecting defense technology hubs.
This defines how and by whom these crucial technology development centers will be chosen and ensures they meet specific standards.
PROVISION 03
Outlines the objectives for these hubs, including accelerating research, fostering partnerships, promoting workforce development, and enhancing the defense industrial base.
These objectives clearly define the core mission and expected outcomes for each defense technology hub.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to defense technology hubs for their establishment, research, prototyping, and administrative costs.
This provides the necessary financial support to enable the hubs to operate and carry out their specified activities.
PROVISION 05
Requires hubs to implement strict cybersecurity measures, comply with export regulations (ITAR/EAR), prevent participation by foreign entities of concern, and protect sensitive information.
These security requirements are critical to safeguard sensitive defense technologies from espionage and unauthorized transfer.
This bill matters because it tries to speed up how the U.S. develops new technologies for its military. In today's rapidly changing world, having the most advanced defense tools is crucial for national security and staying competitive against other global powers. If this bill becomes law, it would create dedicated regional centers focused on innovation, potentially leading to faster breakthroughs in areas like artificial intelligence, advanced weapons, and cybersecurity. This could strengthen the country's defense capabilities and ensure the military has access to the latest technology.
If the bill doesn't pass, the current methods for developing defense technology would continue without this new, focused regional network. This might mean slower innovation or a less coordinated approach, potentially leaving the U.S. at a disadvantage in future conflicts or in the global technological race. It also aims to foster local economic growth and create skilled jobs by connecting universities and businesses directly to defense research, meaning local communities could see benefits from federal investment in technology.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires the Secretary of Defense to establish a "Defense Technology Hubs Program" to designate and support regional centers focused on defense-related technologies.
This provision creates a new, structured national program to foster defense innovation at a regional level.
high
Mandates the solicitation of applications from 'eligible consortia' (universities, businesses, governments) and sets criteria for selecting defense technology hubs.
This defines how and by whom these crucial technology development centers will be chosen and ensures they meet specific standards.
med
Outlines the objectives for these hubs, including accelerating research, fostering partnerships, promoting workforce development, and enhancing the defense industrial base.
These objectives clearly define the core mission and expected outcomes for each defense technology hub.
med
Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to defense technology hubs for their establishment, research, prototyping, and administrative costs.
This provides the necessary financial support to enable the hubs to operate and carry out their specified activities.
high
Requires hubs to implement strict cybersecurity measures, comply with export regulations (ITAR/EAR), prevent participation by foreign entities of concern, and protect sensitive information.
These security requirements are critical to safeguard sensitive defense technologies from espionage and unauthorized transfer.
Before the date that is 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Goal of designating at least 10 defense technology hubs.
GLOSSARY
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Anchor Federal Defense Institution
A defense manufacturing facility, a university that conducts research and development for the Department of Defense, or a military installation.
Defense Technology Hub
A regional center specifically designated and supported by the Department of Defense to promote innovation and rapid development of defense-related technologies.
Eligible Consortium
A group composed of universities, defense contractors, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and state or local governments that can apply to become a defense technology hub.
Emerging Technologies
New scientific and engineering advancements with potential military applications, as identified by the Secretary of Defense.
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
U.S. government rules that control the export and temporary import of defense-related articles and services.
Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
U.S. government rules that regulate the export of certain commercial and 'dual-use' (commercial and military) items, software, and technology.
Foreign Entities of Concern
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JUN 5, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
JUN 5, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Individuals, organizations, or governments from other countries identified by the U.S. government as posing a national security risk or engaging in activities contrary to U.S. interests.
