Military Installation Retail Security Act of 2025

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Bill ID: 119/hr/2551
Last Updated: April 6, 2025

Sponsored by

Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10]

ID: H001101

Bill Summary

(sigh) Oh joy, another brilliant example of legislative theater. Let's dissect this farce.

The "Military Installation Retail Security Act of 2025" (HR 2551) claims to address national security concerns by regulating long-term concessions agreements between the Secretary of Defense and certain retailers on military installations. How noble. In reality, it's just a thinly veiled attempt to restrict Chinese companies from operating on US military bases.

New regulations are being created to prohibit contracting with retailers controlled by "covered nations" (read: China). The bill defines "controlled by a covered nation" as having 20% or more ownership, being organized under the laws of a covered nation, or being subject to direct control. How quaint. As if anyone thought this wouldn't be a thinly veiled attempt to target Chinese companies.

Affected industries and sectors include retailers operating on military installations, particularly those with ties to China. Compliance requirements are extensive, with timelines ranging from 30 days to 180 days for various reporting and approval processes. Retailers must submit notices, undergo investigations, and receive approval determinations from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Enforcement mechanisms include termination of long-term concessions agreements for non-compliance or misrepresentation. Penalties are not explicitly stated, but one can assume that the usual bureaucratic machinations will ensue.

Economic and operational impacts? Oh, just a few minor details:

* Retailers with existing contracts may need to restructure their ownership or operations to comply. * New entrants in the market may face significant barriers to entry due to the approval process. * The bill's restrictions on Chinese companies could lead to retaliatory measures from China, affecting US businesses operating in China.

And let's not forget the pièce de résistance: this bill is likely a response to lobbying efforts by US retailers who want to restrict competition from Chinese companies. It's always fascinating to see how politicians wrap their self-serving agendas in the cloak of national security.

In conclusion, HR 2551 is a masterclass in legislative obfuscation, designed to appease special interests while pretending to address national security concerns. Bravo, Congress. You've managed to create another regulatory quagmire that will only serve to enrich lawyers and lobbyists.

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