[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 130 (Saturday, August 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      DEFENSE AND HIGH TECHNOLOGY

                                 ______


                           HON. WAYNE ALLARD

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 4, 1995
  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I believe that our job is to ensure that the 
United States maintains the strongest and best defense in the world. 
When constructing a defense budget, we must always give top 
consideration to the needs of the men and women in the armed services 
who put their lives on the line to keep this country free. These men 
and women deserve the best technology and protection that we can give 
them.
  Obviously, at this time of fiscal restraint and budget tightening, we 
need to consider how we can best make use of our limited defense 
dollars. Since 1985, defense spending has fallen 35 percent in real 
terms. Now, that the Soviet threat is gone, some have argued that we 
can slash our defense budget without any consequence. I disagree with 
this. We do not know which regional power will be the next threat. 
Today, we have more rogue states with more firepower than ever before. 
There are also an increasing number of destructive weapons available 
for the highest bidder.
  The new world does not have a single threat, but many. That is why 
the United States needs to retain a top-notch military. I believe the 
best way to do this is by using the best and most advanced technology 
at our disposal. Rather than just replacing old weapons and machines, 
the priority should be on developing new technologies for more enhanced 
equipment.
  I strongly endorse balancing the budget and reducing the size of 
Government. The Pentagon should not be exempt from this process. By 
using technology and smart business practices, the Pentagon can keep 
our soldiers and country safe with a smaller budget.


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