National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

Floor Speech

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Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I thank Chairman Thornberry for his leadership of peace through strength.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of amendment No. 69, a bipartisan amendment submitted with Ranking Member Jim Langevin.

As we reach to secure cyberspace and protect American families from new and emerging threats while encouraging innovation, we turn to the mutual benefit that public-private partnerships provide industry employees and Department of Defense personnel.

We have seen the success of public-private partnerships already in the IT field. This amendment will provide an opportunity to expand the benefits of the talent exchange to all components of the Department of Defense.

The benefits to the military are clear. These partnerships provide the ability for fresh talent and concepts from outside the government sector.

The private sector benefits as well by having the flexibility to gain a unique insight into how the government operates and engage in public service creating jobs.

This bipartisan amendment promotes choice and opportunity that will benefit America's workers and the defense community. Actually, the collaboration will benefit all American families. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

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Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the bipartisan amendment with Congressman Seth Moulton, No. 95, that would increase transparency and accountability--in addition to promoting peace through strength.

In the past few months, the Tehran regime has repeatedly pushed the boundaries of the dangerous Iran deal and on United Nations Security Council resolutions. Since January, the Iranian regime has tested at least two intercontinental ballistic missiles, including one that had the writing ``Israel should be wiped off the Earth,'' written in Hebrew. These ICBMs have the ability to reach Israel and other allies in the Middle East from southeastern Europe to India.

Sadly, the American people have not received satisfactory answers about why the actions by Iran are without repercussions. This amendment will require a quick and clear response: Why or why not did the ICBM tests violate international agreements, and what response the administration will take.

This bipartisan amendment will hold the administration accountable and require a timely and thorough report on our response to hostile actions.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote in support.

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