Cornyn Introduces Legislation to Expand Use of 3D-Printed Defense Technologies

Cornyn Introduces Legislation to Expand Use of 3D-Printed Defense Technologies News Cornyn Introduces Legislation to Expand Use of 3D-Printed Defense Technologies Provision Would Empower DoW to Evaluate & Modernize Printable Energetic Feedstocks for Additive Manufacturing June 11, 2026 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced legislation that would require the Department of War (DoW) to establish a pilot program through the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering to evaluate the safety, quality, and qualification pathways of printable energetic materials for defense innovation. This provision would empower the DoW to evaluate how the use of 3D-printing can make safer and more reliable explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics. “As threats from foreign adversaries continue to increase, it is imperative that our nation’s defense capabilities are up to par with the advanced technologies and resources available,” said Sen. Cornyn . “I’m proud to introduce legislation that would empower the Department of War to study and expand the use of 3D-printed defense technologies for munitions modernization. Many Texas companies and universities are leading the way in developing these innovative technologies, and this legislation will strengthen the United States’ defense manufacturing and supply chain.” Background: The pilot program would assess whether the use of printable energetic feedstocks can improve handling safety, process stability, lot-to-lot consistency, and supply chain resilience. This program would conduct direct comparative analysis to legacy manufacturing processes and evaluate each method for safety, logistic considerations, and effectiveness. This evaluation would also modernize qualification criteria to remain aligned with contemporary munitions development. Additive manufacturing provides an alternative to traditional manufacturing practices and can overcome chokepoints in production. Additionally, domestic additive manufacturing of energetic feedstocks would help secure a U.S.-based critical supply chain protected from adversary influence. This provision would also direct a report to the congressional defense committees on the findings of the pilot program and recommended legislative, regulatory, or resourcing actions required to enable safe adoption.