WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Representatives Michael Cloud (TX-27) and Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) introduced the Depot Data Transparency Act, which would amend U.S. military reporting requirements to increase transparency of depot-level maintenance funds going to Organic Industrial Base sites: 

“A balanced allocation of maintenance funding is essential to ensuring the Department of War can sustain the Organic Industrial Base, preserve critical repair and remanufacturing capabilities, and serve as a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By updating the 50-50 rule’s reporting requirements, this legislation would improve transparency into how depot-level maintenance funds are allocated and allow Congressional oversight at each depot.”

“Military depots like Tobyhanna and Letterkenny are the foundation of our military readiness, and the people there are some of the best technicians,” said Sen. Fetterman. “The Depot Data Transparency Act ensures efficient federal oversight of those military depots in Pennsylvania and across the country. This necessary change makes sure tax dollars are being allocated properly to support and maintain a crucial workforce.”

“This bill brings needed transparency to how depot maintenance work is distributed, ensuring facilities like Corpus Christi Army Depot get a fair individual look. Transparency like this strengthens our organic industrial bases and protects our national security,” said Rep. Cloud.

“Over the past decade, Corpus Christi Army Depot’s highly trained civilian workforce has dropped by thousands due to the Army’s increasing reliance on private companies for helicopter repair work. This is a federal issue hurting depots across the country and requires a federal solution; it starts with bringing greater transparency to the Army’s maintenance and overhaul schedule. Our bill builds on bipartisan language we secured in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act, and would ensure we protect South Texas’s military competitiveness and the thousands of workers it employs,” said Rep. Gonzalez.

U.S. Representative Michael Cloud (TX-27) is leading companion legislation, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives as part of their version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027.

Background:

The Depot Data Transparency Act would amend the reporting requirement for the “50-50 rule” (10 USC 2466) that necessitates each U.S. military service dedicate no less than 50% of all depot-level maintenance funds to work done by federal employees at Organic Industrial Base sites. The updated reporting requirement in the legislation would improve Congress’ visibility into the distribution of funds, including at the individual depot-level, to better support workload, improve military readiness, and maintain a trained workforce at these domestic industrial sites.