Christopher Shays: “I strongly support Mr. Castle's amendment to prohibit the Department of Defense from awarding bonus fees for good…”

“I strongly support Mr. Castle's amendment to prohibit the Department of Defense from awarding bonus fees for good performance to any defense contractor that does not meet the contract's requirements. Mr. Chairman, I'm disappointed we need to debate this subject. I'm disappointed that while our servicemen and servicewomen are in harm's way, and while the Congress and the American taxpayer are spending billions of dollars to ensure they have all the resources and equipment they need, the Defense Department is paying bonuses to companies that haven't earned them and companies are accepting bonuses that are not due to them. During consideration of the Defense Authorization Act, we wisely passed an amendment also authored by Mr. Castle that requires the Defense Department to develop and issue standards that link award and incentive fees to desired program outcomes, such as meeting cost, schedule, and capability goals. I look forward to the Department implementing these standards, but until they do we should ensure unwarranted and undeserved payments are not paid. The CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle). The amendment was agreed to.”