Niki Tsongas: “I rise today in support of the IMPROVE Acquisition Act of 2010. I applaud the efforts of my colleagues on the House…”

“I rise today in support of the IMPROVE Acquisition Act of 2010. I applaud the efforts of my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee and believe we have made a real step forward in improving the acquisition process, a process beset by issues such as cost overruns and ever-changing requirements. This is good legislation that reflects a bipartisan effort to combat waste, increase efficiency, and get good value for our taxpayer dollars. It builds on what we started last year when we enacted a bill aimed at weapons systems acquisition reform. This bill addresses systemwide problems that weren't impacted by that law. I'm delighted to report, for example, that this bill requires better communication with and stability for our industrial base. I also applaud legislative mandates that require contracting for best value and provisions that enhance the Defense Department's ability to control costs while, most importantly, protecting our soldiers. I urge passage of this landmark legislation.”