August 15, 2014

New Democrat Coalition National Security Leaders Send Letter to HASC Vice-Chairman, Ranking Member Announcing Intent to Develop Acquisition Reform Proposals

Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI) and Rep. Ron Barber (D-AZ) – the three Co-Chairs of the New Democrat Coalition’s National Security Task Force – sent a letter to House Armed Services Committee Vice-Chairman Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) and Ranking Member Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), also a New Democrat, announcing their intent to develop proposals to reform the Department of Defense’s outdated and cumbersome acquisitions process. Vice-Chairman Thornberry and Ranking Member Smith earlier announced their intention to gather ideas for a stronger, more robust acquisitions process.

“Over the coming months, we will meet with representatives of industry and government to further enrich our understanding of how the Department’s acquisition system may be improved,” the letter reads. Among several aims, the Members anticipate that the proposals will center on “making the government a better customer to business, empowering and growing the professional workforce; improving the management, administration, and accountability of non-major defense acquisition programs and services; and supporting a culture that is focused on achieving long-term success rather than short-term gains.”

Click here to read a copy of the New Dem letter.



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