Tony Hall: “I rise in support of the Hall- Boehlert Amendment which contains a series of sense-of-the Congress expressions directing…”

“I rise in support of the Hall- Boehlert Amendment which contains a series of sense-of-the Congress expressions directing the Department of Defense to focus more attention to long-term scientific research. It also requires the Secretary of Defense to initiate a study and recommend minimum requirements to maintain a defense technology base that is sufficient to project superiority in air and space weapons systems and information technology. The amendment urges that the Defense Department give science and technology attention equal to the level received by program acquisition; that the secretary of each military department ensure that a senior member of the department holds the appropriate title and responsibility to ensure effective oversight and emphasis on science and technology; and that annual reviews should be conducted to ensure a sufficient percentage of science and technology funds are directed toward new technology areas. In the past, establishing science and technology as a priority for our military has effectively contributed to our National defense and it will be even more important in the future.”