[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 35 (Friday, February 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E425]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            IN SUPPORT OF THE TECHNOLOGY REINVESTMENT PROJECT

                                 ______


                         HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 23, 1995
  Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
Technology Reinvestment Project [TRP], an innovative government-
industry partnership which deserves continued funding within the 
Federal budget.
  This year, as we mark the anniversaries of important battles of World 
War II and pay tribute to those who fought so bravely some fifty years 
ago, the realities of the post-cold-war world have compelled us to make 
dramatic changes in our military, economic, and political thinking. 
While we commemorate the monumental events of the past, we also look 
toward the future and the approach of the 21st century. Today we are 
presented with tremendous opportunities for creating lasting peace in 
historically volatile areas such as the Middle East, while at the same 
time we are faced with new challenges such as how best to curb the 
spread of weapons of mass destruction which threatens our security and 
the security of generations to come. As we enter this new era, the 
enormous opportunities and challenges which await us apply also to our 
industrial competitiveness and economic security.
  Since its inception in 1992, the Technology Reinvestment Project has 
been an important part of our military and economic strategy for the 
next century. It is clear that the collapse of the Soviet Union and the 
end of the cold war did not bring an end to the need for a strong U.S. 
military. Instead of a potential confrontation with a global nuclear 
superpower, however, we now must prepare for regional conflicts and 
protect our position as a world leader in technology development for 
both military and civilian uses. The TRP has been a key tool for 
maintaining the future readiness of our Armed Services by ensuring that 
cutting-edge technologies continue to be developed in support of U.S. 
soldiers around the world. As the first comprehensive post-cold-war 
approach to defense technology, the TRP has greatly expanded the 
ability of our forces to utilize the creativity and strength of the 
commercial marketplace to affordably obtain the technology needed today 
and in the future.
  Mr. Speaker, the U.S. Army now is the seventh largest in the world 
and is heading towards eighth place. Leading edge technology always has 
permitted our Armed Services to be the world's best fighting force. 
Over the years, our technological superiority has made it possible for 
our soldiers to work smarter, not harder. The TRP is crucial for the 
maintenance of our leadership in both the military and civilian 
sectors. As such an important transition point in world history, when 
we are adjusting to the changes brought about by the fall of communism 
and measuring national security not merely in military terms, but also 
in economic terms, the need for the TRP never has been greater. I urge 
my colleagues to support full funding for the TRP and similar programs 
aimed at bolstering our military and economic strength.


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