April 28, 2010

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Laura Keiter/Betsy Arnold - (202) 225-8020

Legislation would save taxpayers billions of dollars by requiring improved accountability of defense acquisition system and workforce

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman John F. Tierney (D-MA), who chairs the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, released the below statement following House passage of H.R. 5013, the Implementing Management for Performance and Related Reforms to Obtain Value in Every Acquisition (IMPROVE) Act:

"This legislation signals an ongoing commitment by the Democratic-led Congress to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Department of Defense.  In these trying economic times, it is especially important that we make wise use of taxpayer funds. This bill, which directs the DOD to take specific steps to improve the acquisition workforce and management of DOD acquisitions, builds on last year’s reform legislation that enhanced oversight of the Pentagon's weapons procurement process. It is expected to save taxpayers billions of dollars in the long run. We have to keep the momentum.

“As my Subcommittee brought to light last year, DOD has a long history of mismanagement and inefficiency in its acquisition system. This bill represents another important step toward refocusing our defense programs which are most pertinent to our national security.  We must ensure that the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces are properly equipped, and the Subcommittee plans to continue its thorough oversight of DOD acquisitions."