[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 167 (Thursday, October 26, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2059-E2060]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE DEFENSE REUTILIZATION AND MARKETING SERVICE

                                 ______


                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 1995

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on May 31, the Michigan 
Legislature adopted a resolution commending the Defense Reutilization 
and Marketing Service [DRMS] for its exceptional success fulfilling its 
mission of selling and reusing surplus property from our armed 
services. DRMS has instituted reforms over the last several years which 
have vastly improved the agency's efficiency and have allowed it to 
attain an operating profit. I join the Michigan Legislature in its 
praise of DRMS and ask that the text of the resolution be printed in 
the Record as follows:

                  Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 109

       A concurrent resolution to recognize the success and 
     innovations of the Defense Reutilization and Marketing 
     Service and to memorialize Congress to encourage continued 
     reform efforts throughout the Department of Defense and all 
     of the federal government.
       Whereas, In response to the call of officials and citizens 
     alike, the United States Department of Defense, through the 
     Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service, has achieved 
     remarkable success as a pilot project committed to bringing 
     sound business practices to a worldwide governmental 
     operation. This initiative, which has been made more 
     important by the reorganization of military facilities and 
     base closures around the world, has been nominated for major 
     recognition through the Innovations in American Government 
     program coordinated by the Harvard University Kennedy School 
     of Government; and
       Whereas, The Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service is 
     charged with the mission of selling Department of Defense 
     assets, reutilizing resources, transferring property and 
     materials, and encouraging the recovery of metals. With the 
     ever-increasing speed of change in technology and the unique 
     demands of military preparedness in our volatile world, the 
     task facing the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service 
     is a substantial one, representing enormous sums of capital. 
     Fittingly, the Defense Logistics Agency of the Department of 
     Defense selected the Defense Reutilization and Marketing 
     Service as a pilot project under the Government Performance 
     Results Act of 1993. Since that time, this operation has 
     constituted a wonderful example of reinventing policies and 
     attitudes in government; and
       Whereas, Michigan has been the recipient of numerous 
     benefits through the efforts of the Defense Reutilization and 
     Marketing Service. Products from around the world have gone 
     to Michigan schools, youth groups, universities, museums, 
     local units of government, and police departments. Several 
     million dollars worth of materials, ranging from camping 
     equipment to heavy machinery, have been put to good use; and
       Whereas, The Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service 
     responded to its challenge with true business strategies of 
     putting customers first, improving processes and the use of 
     technologies, empowering employees to get results, and 
     meeting customer requirements at a reduced cost. With 
     emphasis on maximizing return to the taxpayer, the service 
     has achieved remarkable success in increasing total assets by 
     nearly 200 percent 

[[Page E2060]]
     and attaining self-sufficiency with an operating profit of $17 million. 
     These impressive figures represent a wonderful beginning. 
     Most importantly, the success of this effort has generated a 
     rethinking of all levels, with employees adopting attitudes 
     consistent with those found in a sound and productive 
     business. We hope all governmental agencies will follow this 
     lead; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That we recognize the achievements of the 
     Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service in being 
     recognized nationally for representing the reinvention 
     potential that exists within the federal government; and be 
     it further
       Resolved, That we memorialize the Congress of the United 
     States to continue to encourage the progress of the Defense 
     Reutilization and Marketing Service and similar programs in 
     all governmental units; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     officials of the National Performance Review, the Department 
     of Defense, the Defense Logistics Agency, and the Defense 
     Reutilization and Marketing Service, the President of the 
     United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House 
     of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan 
     congressional delegation.

                          ____________________