[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23706]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT FY 2004

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. LAMAR S. SMITH

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 29, 2003

  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Leadership and Members 
of the Committee on Appropriations for bringing the FY 2004 Defense 
Appropriations Conference Report to the House floor.
  In addition to addressing the necessary and priority manpower and 
equipment needs of our armed forces, the bill provides critical 
resources for advancing the scientific, research and advanced 
technology initiatives that will insure that the United States 
maintains its military primacy in the years ahead.
  As a Member of the House Science Committee's Subcommittee on 
Research, I continue to take a special interest in the emerging 
technologies that promise quantum breakthroughs in research and 
development efforts that will enhance our national security. These 
promising new technologies offer new dimensions to our military 
capabilities while also providing significant benefits to the civilian 
sector. Many of the programs in this legislation rely upon the 
transition of an enabling technology from the laboratory, R&D stage to 
viable military applications.
  Special enabling technologies are currently being developed in Texas 
that have great potential for a broad range of military applications 
and offer significant advances to our future national security 
capabilities.
  The House is bipartisan in its support for the increased resources 
devoted to DARPA and the RDT&E accounts. The DOD research portfolio is 
broad, comprehensive, diverse and focused on mission-related objectives 
to further assure U.S. security and international stability. I strongly 
urge Department of Defense policy and program officials to continue 
investing resources into innovative field technology.

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