Ken Calvert: “Chairman Mac Thornberry, and Ranking Member Adam Smith, I rise in support of Rules Amendment Number 161 to H.R. 4909…”

“Chairman Mac Thornberry, and Ranking Member Adam Smith, I rise in support of Rules Amendment Number 161 to H.R. 4909, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal year 2017. However, I would first like to thank you for your thoughtful approach in writing this year's bill; it was not an easy task. The particular focus on end-force readiness restoration is to be commended; we cannot ask members of the armed forces to defend their country and democracy without adequately outfitting and training the soldier, unit and force. Additionally, I am pleased to see the NDAA's approach toward much needed acquisition reform, healthcare reform, Goldwater Nichols reform and more. However, as we debate today it is incumbent on us as Members of Congress to continue the discussion about the right mix of active duty, civilian and contractors at the Department of Defense. The recent uniformed military drawdown has not been accompanied by an equivalent reduction of either the civilian or contractor work force as in drawdowns in the past. A large, disproportionate, and duplicative work force coupled with bureaucratic, structural inefficiencies has detracted from the Pentagon's production of combat power and its ability to modernize. Right sizing the civilian workforce must be multifaceted, statutory in number, and implemented with executive discretion. Across the board cuts to the defense civilian workforce are not the answer.…”