[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 127 (Wednesday, September 26, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9856-S9857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT AMENDMENTS OF 2001

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask that the Chair lay before the Senate a 
message from the House of Representatives on H.R. 2510 to extend the 
expiration date of the Defense Production Act of 1950, and for other 
purposes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER laid before the Senate the following message 
from the House of Representatives:


[[Page S9857]]


       Resolved, That the House agree to the amendment of the 
     Senate to the bill (H.R. 2510) entitled ``An Act to extend 
     the expiration date of the Defense Production Act of 1950, 
     and for other purposes'', with the following House amendments 
     to Senate amendment:
       Page 1, line 3, of the engrossed Senate amendment strike 
     ``2002'' and insert ``2003''.
       Page 1, line 7, of the engrossed Senate amendment strike 
     ``2002'' and insert ``2003''.


                             Review of DPA

  Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I would like to inquire of the Senator from 
Maryland, Chairman Sarbanes, as to the status of legislation 
reauthorizing the Defense Production Act?
  Mr. SARBANES. I thank the Senator from Wyoming for his question. The 
Defense Production Act reauthorization that is awaiting further action 
in the Senate would currently reauthorize the act for two years and 
would make a number of technical corrections.
  Mr. ENZI. As the chairman is aware, I feel the DPA is an important 
tool for supporting our national defense and for ensuring that our 
armed forces have the latest equipment available, in a timely manner, 
and that they are prepared and able to defend our Nation's interests. 
When used properly, the DPA not only ensures military contracts are 
filled in a timely manner, but it also ensures that industries are 
protected from liabilities that could arise from being required to 
prioritize military requests ahead of other private agreements. I am 
concerned, however, that the DPA also has a number of possible 
applications that may not be in the best interest of the United States. 
It is my fear that, in the name of national security, the DPA can be 
used in a way that creates a serious rippling effect on many other 
sectors of our Nation. The chairman is aware that I have supported just 
a one-year reauthorization of this act, and that I feel it is important 
that we conduct a complete review and reevaluation of the act to make 
sure it gives the President the power he needs to conduct his business 
without exposing the rest of the nation to possible abuse.
  Mr. SARBANES. In light of U.S. national security needs, I feel 
Congress is justified in extending the DPA's authorization for two 
years. I am prepared, however, to work with the Senator from Wyoming to 
review his concerns with the DPA when the Banking Committee considers 
its future reauthorization.
  Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate concur in the House 
amendments to the Senate amendment, and the motion to reconsider be 
laid on the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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