[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 99 (Friday, June 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO THE DEFENSE REUTILIZATION AND MARKETING SERVICE

                                 ______


                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 1995

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the exemplary efforts of the employees of the Defense Reutilization and 
Marketing Service [DRMS] based at the Federal Center in Battle Creek, 
MI.
  In the last several years DRMS has vastly improved the efficiency of 
its operations, which involve the reuse and sale of military surplus 
goods. In the 1994 fiscal year, DRMS increased its revenues by 85 
percent and its profits by 116 percent while cutting its costs by 4 
percent. These improvements have continued into the 1995 fiscal year. 
In fact, the Michigan legislature recognized and commended the 
achievements of DRMS in a resolution passed on May 31, 1995.
  This week, a provision of H.R. 1530 proposed the total privatization 
of DRMS, ignoring the progress it has made. This provision also ignored 
the ongoing selective privatization program at DRMS and the opinion of 
DRMS and the Defense Logistics Agency [DLA] that total privatization is 
not feasible. Fortunately, with the help of many fine people connected 
with DRMS, we were able to remove this provision.
  I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank some of 
those who took leading roles in the effort to amend H.R. 1530. I like 
to thank the leaders of DRMS and DLA, navy Captain Hempson [DRMS] and 
Admiral Straw [DLA]. I also want to express my appreciation for the 
support of Dan McGinty, DLA's Congressional Liaison.
  I want to thank the employees of DRMS both for the excellent work 
they have done and their efforts to change H.R. 1530. In particular, I 
would like to recognize the efforts of Gary Redditt and Angie Disher, 
the union representatives at DRMS.
  Once more, let me say once more to DRMS and its employees, job well 
done.

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