Norman D. Dicks: “This amendment would prohibit the Department of Defense from spending any funds--any--for official representation due to…”

“This amendment would prohibit the Department of Defense from spending any funds--any--for official representation due to a lack of auditable financial statements. Now, I completely agree with the gentleman on the point that we need to get them to do this. I just think this approach is not the way to do it. If authorizers could set a timeframe in statute--and that's the way to do it--without cutting out these funds when they are entertaining people from other countries around the world. I just think it's one of those things that sounds good, but it's going to have unintended consequences. Auditable financial statements have long been a goal of the Department of Defense. The committee has long pressed DOD to improve the quality of its financial management, and will continue that effort in the coming year. However, eliminating official representation funds is not connected to that goal. And limiting these funds would have damaging consequences. The amendment would preclude activities associated with hosting military to military contacts, both domestically and overseas. The activity extends official courtesies to guests of the United States and the Department of Defense, and upholds the prestige and standing of the United States. The amendment would also harm the military services' ability to conduct community relations activities. The amendment hurts DOD's ability to represent itself to foreign Nations and to the communities in which DOD activities are located.”