I worked with Secretary Krancer and others in the State of Pennsylvania to fight the Federal Government, to fight the EPA and the Corps of Engineers.

It is extremely important for us to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, which we every year, to the tune of over $100 billion, we are sending to countries that, quite frankly, hate us.

I just want to highlight the importance of public/private partnerships, and how that is what we have today.

It is--you know, my goodness, it is heresy by giving somebody a bonus for doing a great job in the government.

While the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act did much to increase transparency and foster competition, there is still a great deal of room for improvement in the Department of Defense's business practices.

The only problem is that it was written in 1958 and not much has changed.

I think the defense industrial base is so critical.

Our Nation lacks a coherent and complete strategy for our Nation's defense.

The House Armed Services Committee has led the way in improving how DOD develops and buys equipment and needs.

I believe that today's hearing will serve as a foundational discussion for this panel as it moves forward.

While the bill did much to garner efficiency, increase transparency and foster competition, there is still room for improving DOD's business practices.