Kim Schrier: “I thank Representative Horn for allowing me to speak on these issues. Mr. Chairman, my amendment supports small…”

“I thank Representative Horn for allowing me to speak on these issues. Mr. Chairman, my amendment supports small businesses by directing the Secretary of the Navy to adhere to competitive procedures whenever possible. This will not only make it easier for smaller contractors to compete on an even playing field with billion-dollar corporations, but it is also good governance. Approximately 2,000 businesses provide support to the military and defense sectors in Washington State. In the last 3 years, businesses were awarded nearly $15 billion in related contracts. Our small businesses, many of which are owned by veterans, are a driving force in our economy, especially in Washington State. By ensuring contracts are awarded on a competitive basis, we can save the Federal Government millions of dollars in acquisition and sustainment costs. Also, for NDAA, I partnered with my friend and colleague, Representative Rick Larsen, to ensure communities facing the greatest risk of fire have equitable access to firefighting and emergency equipment. Two Federal programs, the Firefighter Property Program and the Federal Excess Personal Property Program, transfer excess Department of Defense property to the U.S. Forest Service, which then provides it to States for use in firefighting. This property includes trucks, tools, hoses, vehicles, and aircraft parts, as well as protective clothing.…”