Jane Harman: “As we have added funds to the Pentagon's budget, we have unfortunately neglected, until this year, changing the mindset…”

“As we have added funds to the Pentagon's budget, we have unfortunately neglected, until this year, changing the mindset of the military on how it makes purchasing decisions. Regardless of how much Congress provides, we must ensure that all of the dollars are spent wisely. As my colleagues know, I am a strong and vocal advocate for creating an industrial base that can meet both commercial and military requirements. It is clear that we cannot afford to maintain two distinct industrial bases--one for defense, one for commercial applications--as we have had the luxury of maintaining in the past. Instead, we must pursue policies and develop programs that encourage cooperative ventures in which defense and commercial expertise and technology complement and support each other. As such, I want to commend Mr. Weldon, chairman of the research and development subcommittee, and bring to my colleagues' attention section 203 of the bill. Section 203 creates an innovative and robust dual-use technology program.”