Defense Production Act of 1950

Great Seal of the United States (obverse)

The Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA) is a United States federal law enacted on September 8, 1950, in response to the start of the Korean War. The Act grants the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in the interest of national defense. The DPA is codified at 50 U.S.C. §§ 4501 et seq.

Provisions

The DPA is divided into three main sections, known as Titles I, III, and VII.

Title I: Priorities and Allocations

Title I authorizes the President to require businesses to accept and prioritize contracts for materials and services deemed necessary for national defense. This includes the ability to allocate or control the distribution of materials, services, and facilities.

Title III: Expansion of Productive Capacity and Supply

Title III allows the President to incentivize the domestic industrial base to expand the production and supply of critical materials and goods. This can include loans, direct purchases, and the installation of equipment in private industrial facilities.

Title VII: General Provisions

Title VII contains a variety of provisions, including the authority to establish voluntary agreements with private industry, the ability to block foreign mergers and acquisitions that threaten national security, and the establishment of the Defense Production Act Committee.

Historical Context

The DPA was enacted during the Cold War era, a time when the United States was concerned about its ability to mobilize and sustain military operations. The Act has been reauthorized and amended multiple times to address changing national security needs.

Modern Use

The DPA has been invoked in various situations beyond its original military focus. For example, it has been used to address natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other crises. Notably, the DPA was invoked during the COVID-19 pandemic to accelerate the production of medical supplies and equipment.

Administration and Oversight

The implementation of the DPA is overseen by various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Defense Production Act Committee is responsible for coordinating the activities under the Act.

See Also

• War Production Board
• National Defense
• Cold War
• Korean War
• COVID-19 pandemic