Cord Byrd: “the Pentagon continues to have massive management problems. The GAO believes that billions of taxpayer dollars could be…”

“the Pentagon continues to have massive management problems. The GAO believes that billions of taxpayer dollars could be saved each year, if these problems can be straightened out. This modification to my amendment would require an expedited study on whether there should be a Deputy Secretary of Defense for Management to take charge of fixing the Pentagon's accounting problems. I thank the cosponsors of my modified amendment: Chairman Warner, Senator Ensign, Senator Akaka, and Senator Lautenberg. I am encouraged by Chairman Warner's intention to hold further hearings in the Armed Services Committee once these reports are submitted to Congress. Fixing the pervasive--I mean pervasive--accounting problems at the Department of Defense will require more hearings, more oversight, and more accountability. I took note of this some years ago when Secretary Rumsfeld first appeared before the Armed Services Committee. He admitted there was a problem, a very difficult problem. He indicated he was going to do something about it. I think he needs help. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the coming months to set the Pentagon on an accelerated track for reform. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Virginia.”