Value Over Cost Act of 2026

Floor Speech

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Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1118) to amend title 41, United States Code, and title 10, United States Code, to provide best value through the multiple award schedule program, and for other purposes, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 1118

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Value Over Cost Act of 2026''. SEC. 2. PROVIDING BEST VALUE THROUGH THE MULTIPLE AWARD SCHEDULE PROGRAM.

Section 152(3)(B) of title 41, United States Code, is amended by striking ``lowest overall cost alternative'' and inserting ``best value''.

Mr. Speaker, I support the Value Over Cost Act, H.R. 1118, which modernizes the General Services Administration's governmentwide Multiple Award Schedule program.

GSA's Multiple Award Schedule program is the Federal Government's most-used contracting procedure for commercial products and services. Federal agencies rely on the Multiple Award Schedule to purchase the best commercial products, services, and solutions at the best price.

Currently, GSA is required to evaluate the ``lowest overall cost alternative'' when determining what will be available on the Multiple Award Schedule. This requires a burdensome process that can actually lead to higher prices over time as contractors pass hidden administrative or ongoing support costs along to the Federal Government.

This bill allows GSA to consider awarding contracts based on the best value instead of the lowest overall cost alternative.

This reform mirrors a change that was made in fiscal year 2026 in the National Defense Authorization Act, putting the civilian agencies on equal footing with our defense agencies.

This bill will maximize the Federal Government's ability to get the best value when procuring modern technology.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representatives Byron Donalds and Jared Moskowitz for their leadership on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support this targeted government efficiency bill.

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Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important governmentwide procurement reform bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered.

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