A bipartisan group of House lawmakers has introduced legislation directing the Department of War to establish a nationwide network of regional defense technology hubs to accelerate emerging capabilities and strengthen the defense industrial base, the office of Rep. Wesley Bell, D-Mo., said Tuesday.
Bell introduced the Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2026 along with Deborah Ross, D-N.C., Richard Hudson, R-N.C., and Mark Messmer, R-Ind.
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What Would the Defense Technology Hubs Act Require DOW to Do?
The bill would require the DOW to establish the Defense Technology Hubs Program to designate and support regional hubs focused on emerging defense technologies. These hubs are designed to bridge the gap between development and operational use by fostering collaboration among universities, industry, nonprofits and local governments, while simultaneously driving workforce development and technology transition.
“At a time when our global adversaries are investing heavily in next-generation technologies, America must not just compete, but lead, in research, development, and innovation. That means building innovation capacity in regions across the country,” said Bell, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the Defense Modernization Caucus.
The Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2026 has been endorsed by Greater St. Louis, a regional economic development organization.
How Does the House Bill Relate to Earlier Senate Action?
The House legislation follows the 2025 Senate introduction of a separate Defense Technology Hubs Act, which authorizes funding over several fiscal years to construct tech hubs in 10 regions across the United States.
That earlier proposal emphasized avoiding duplication of existing programs, setting eligibility standards for designated hubs and preventing participation by foreign entities. The House bill reflects similar goals focused on accelerating technology development and reinforcing the domestic defense innovation base.
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