H.R. 8285 — Protecting American Competition Act of 2026

This section requires the Under Secretary for Industry and Security, when reviewing license applications for the export, reexport, or in-country transfer of items controlled under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, to consider whether the requested license would be the initial one to the ultimate consignee or end user and, after issuing such an initial license, to process subsequent applications by other applicants for the same or similar item to the same consignee or end user in a timely manner. It further requires (1) annual reports to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, beginning one year after enactment, detailing initial licenses granted amid other pending applications for the same or similar items to the same consignee or end user, including details, outcomes, and reasons for approval; and (2) a one-time report to Congress within 90 days of enactment on implementation of the subsequent-application requirement, including any changes to licensing policy or protocols. A rule of construction clarifies that these provisions do not require delaying decisions or acting contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests.