Bills · S 693
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 693Military procurement, research, weapons developmentSex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act
INTRO FEB 24· LAST ACTION FEB 24
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it directly impacts the safety and effectiveness of the men and women who protect our borders, enforce immigration laws, and secure critical infrastructure. Currently, many female officers face challenges with ill-fitting body armor, which can be uncomfortable, hinder movement, and, critically, fail to provide adequate ballistic protection in vital areas. This puts them at greater risk while performing dangerous duties.
If this bill becomes law, it would ensure that all DHS agents, particularly female agents, receive body armor that is tailored to their specific body shapes, offers better coverage, and meets rigorous safety standards designed to prevent critical injuries. This would not only improve their personal safety but also potentially enhance their ability to perform their duties effectively without being hampered by poorly designed equipment. If it doesn't pass, the problem of ill-fitting and potentially less protective body armor for DHS agents, especially women, could persist, leaving them more vulnerable in hazardous situations.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires DHS to procure body armor specifically designed to fully protect various body shapes of agents and officers.
This ensures body armor is tailored to fit individual wearers, particularly addressing issues faced by female officers with ill-fitting gear.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that body armor must meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) standards for proper fit and coverage.
This sets a clear, objective benchmark for comfortable and effective body armor fit, ensuring better protection.
PROVISION 03
Stipulates that body armor must have enhanced technology to prevent bullets from redirecting off the chest into vulnerable throat or spinal cord areas.
This directly addresses a critical safety concern by improving the armor's ability to protect against specific life-threatening shot angles.
PROVISION 04
Requires body armor to be certified by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and pass specific tests, including those using female-shaped molds and angled shots.
This ensures the armor is rigorously tested under conditions relevant to protecting female body types and against realistic threats.
PROVISION 05
Establishes annual reporting requirements for DHS components on the issuance of compliant body armor to female agents for three years.
This creates accountability and tracks progress in providing appropriate protective gear to female officers.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Michigan
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
84
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 24
Introduced in Senate
FEB 24
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 693
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 24, 2025
Last actionFeb 24, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 24, 2025
Senate BillS 693Military procurement, research, weapons developmentSex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act
INTRODUCED FEB 24, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 24, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
