Max Baucus: “I rise today to briefly comment on my vote against Senator Kennedy's amendment to the Defense authorization bill. This…”

“I rise today to briefly comment on my vote against Senator Kennedy's amendment to the Defense authorization bill. This amendment would have resulted in a fundamental change in the way the Department of Defense is structured. It mandated a new policy for every new, modified, or renewed contract for all noninherently governmental services within the Department of Defense. The consequences of such a change at this point in time would not, in my estimation, serve the best interests of my State or of this Nation. Small businesses are an integral part of Montana's economy. Small businesses meet the diverse, everyday needs of Montana's citizens; many Montana small businesses also successfully compete for federal contracts. The provisions of this amendment would have priced many small businesses out of Federal contract competitions. In light of Montana's struggling economy, I could not vote for an amendment that would have increased small business costs while creating an insurmountable hurdle that need not exist. I am also keenly aware of the human capital crunch that the Federal Government currently faces. The Department of Defense faces particular challenges as they seek to maintain readiness while adjusting to post- cold war and post-September 11 realities. This amendment would have resulted in increased personnel costs for the Department of Defense, but, more importantly, it would have delayed contract awards and adversely affected mission effectiveness.”