H.R. 1118House119th Congress (2025-2027)Passed House

Value Over Cost Act of 2026

Introduced February 7, 2025

AI-Generated Summary

Updated July 24, 2026 at 3:52 AM UTC

The Value Over Cost Act of 2026 updates federal procurement language to prioritize "best value" rather than just the lowest cost when using the General Services Administration’s Multiple Award Schedule program. By changing the statutory wording, the bill aims to ensure that government purchases consider factors like quality, performance, and long‑term savings, not just price. This change applies to all federal agencies that procure goods and services through the schedule program.

Key Provisions

  • Amends the federal procurement rule (41 U.S.C. § 152(3)(B)) by replacing the phrase “lowest overall cost alternative” with “best value,” shifting the focus of the Multiple Award Schedule program from simply the cheapest option to the option that offers the greatest overall value.

Legislative Activity

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13 earlier actions
SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

July 22, 2026

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

February 7, 2025

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

February 7, 2025

HouseCommittee

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

February 4, 2026

HouseCommittee

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.

February 5, 2026

HouseFloor

Mr. Burlison moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

July 20, 2026 • 4:36 PM

HouseFloor

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4656; text: CR H4656)

July 20, 2026 • 4:36 PM

HouseFloor

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1118.

July 20, 2026 • 4:36 PM

HouseFloor

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

July 20, 2026 • 4:39 PM

HouseFloor

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4705-4706)

July 21, 2026 • 1:31 PM

HouseFloor

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 421 - 1 (Roll no. 252).

July 21, 2026 • 2:04 PM

HouseFloor

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 421 - 1 (Roll no. 252).

July 21, 2026 • 2:04 PM

HouseFloor

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

July 21, 2026 • 2:04 PM

HouseFloor

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

July 21, 2026 • 2:40 PM

SenateIntro Referral

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

July 22, 2026

Floor Debate

2 members

What members said about H.R. 1118 on the floor

1 Republican1 Democrat
Eric Burlison
Rep. Eric BurlisonR-MO-7 · Jul 20, 2026

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…

Suhas Subramanyam
Rep. Suhas SubramanyamD-VA-10 · Jul 20, 2026

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1118, the Value Over Cost Act of 2026, as well. The GSA maintains a list of goods and services that they…

Bill Text

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Latest
Referred in SenateIssued July 22, 2026

IIB

119th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 1118

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

July 22, 2026

Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

AN ACT

To amend title 41, United States Code, to provide best value through the multiple award schedule program, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Value Over Cost Act of 2026.

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.

Passed the House of Representatives July 21, 2026.

Kevin F. McCumber,

Clerk.