Dan Coats: “This amendment is a natural convergence of thinking of members on the Armed Services Committee and other Senators…”

“This amendment is a natural convergence of thinking of members on the Armed Services Committee and other Senators regarding the need for more information with which to make assessments about future defense spending programs and plans. Clearly, we rely a great deal on the Department of Defense for provision of information and guidance in terms of how the committee operates, but I think many of us felt we needed additional information in order to take a longer look at how we strategize, plan for, fund, and program Department of Defense needs. We felt it might be helpful to have an outside review panel help us in that process.”