William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry: “Creating domestic jobs in industry after industry is not the primary purpose of the Department of Defense, especially…”

“Creating domestic jobs in industry after industry is not the primary purpose of the Department of Defense, especially without a national security reason to do so. What this amendment would do, if it does anything, is to add another category of bureaucracy and burdens that the Department of Defense has got to go through before it decides where it is going to procure its plates and spoons. This has not been the law since 2006. I think our military folks have been reasonably well fed in the 13 years since this was last part of the law. Again, the only reason to do it is if the domestic supplier is not cheaper. So it costs money, if it does anything. Madam Chair, there are lots of important national security issues. Mandating where the Department of Defense gets its plates and spoons and cups and bowls and however else you want to define dinnerware, I do not think, is appropriate, and I urge opposition to the amendment. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Brindisi). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.”