[mkyc]

The US government is allowed to exempt itself from intellectual property restrictions, especially in the interests of "national security".

[electromagnetic]

I'm well aware of that, but I believe "national security" still doesn't cover sheer unadulterated laziness and incompetence . . . yet.

[ars]

They are not allowed to exempt themself. What they are allowed to do is force a license.

Meaning they will pay for the usage, at "reasonable and customary" rates, and you can't say no.

I believe this applies mainly to patents. I have not heard of it being applied to copyright, but it's certainly possible.