The Bureau of Industry and Security is asking Congress for “a significant funding increase” for fiscal year 2027 that would expand the agency’s enforcement capabilities and increase the chances of additional Section 232 tariffs.
BIS said in its FY 2027 budget request that it is seeking $450 million and 1,077 positions to “drastically expand its enforcement capacity” and strengthen its ability to “aggressively investigate violations, pursue criminal penalties, and deny adversaries access to U.S. technologies.” Domestically, this would include 290 more export enforcement agents, 57 additional positions to generate enforcement leads and prosecute cases, and 38 specialized engineers to provide export license determinations and serve as technical witnesses in criminal enforcement matters. BIS also seeks to add 40 export control officers posted abroad to enhance end‑use monitoring and disrupt illicit technology transfers at their source.
“This is not incremental change,” BIS asserted. “It is a structural overhaul that will empower agents to move with speed and precision, strike earlier in the lifecycle of a violation, and dismantle illicit procurement networks before they can inflict lasting damage on U.S. national security. With a significantly expanded network of enforcement agents, major cases will rise in number, scope, and consequence. Investigations will be more proactive, penalties more severe, and deterrence unmistakable.”
BIS said it also wants $20 million and 40 positions to support an anticipated expansion of Section 232 activity. The agency has already imposed Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, automobiles and auto parts, cargo trucks, copper, lumber, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. BIS said this “burgeoning” program also covers “robotics, drones, the power grid, and more.” In 2025 BIS launched Section 232 investigations of aircraft and jet engines; polysilicon; drones; wind turbines; personal protective equipment, medical consumables, and medical equipment; and robotics and industrial machinery, though no further actions have yet been taken.
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