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Providing for Passage of H.R. 2101, Weapons Acquisition System Reform Through Enhancing Technical Knowledge and Oversight Act of 2009

Floor Speech

Date: May 13, 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Defense Government Operations Government Budget and Spending


PROVIDING FOR PASSAGE OF H.R. 2101, WEAPONS ACQUISITION SYSTEM REFORM THROUGH ENHANCING TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND OVERSIGHT ACT OF 2009 -- (House of Representatives - May 13, 2009)

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 2101, a bill to address waste, fraud and abuse in the government's procurement process. This bipartisan measure is an important step in the Congressional effort to increase oversight of DoD's procurement process and to limit overall defense cost growth.

For years the American people have watched with frustration as exploding contract and procurement costs drive up the cost of government. We all remember the $200 toilet seat. This bill is an attempt to get such cost overruns and bloat under control at the largest agency in the federal government--the DoD.

The Weapons Acquisition System Reform Act will help fight abuse in defense contracting and procurement by establishing a principal acquisitions adviser who will monitor costs, oversee performance assessments and track cost growth for major DoD programs at the beginning of the decision making process, before the final go ahead is given.

The President has proposed a broad and ambitious agenda that will require all us to help identify ways to save money and bring down the costs of government. This bill is an important step in that direction.

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