U.S. Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Pat Fallon (R-TX), and Rob Wittman (R-VA) recently reintroduced the Investing in American Defense Technologies Act, which targets defense-centric small business investment.
The legislation creates a federal public-private partnership to scale, support and invest in American defense-centric small businesses producing advanced capabilities, including hypersonics, space, and autonomous systems.
“America’s national security capabilities risk falling behind due to the Department of Defense (DoD) challenges in collaborating with private security companies,” Houlahan said. “This bipartisan and bicameral legislation aims to solve this problem by creating the Advanced Technology Investment Incentive Program which incentivizes private defense companies to work with the DoD,” Houlahan said. “This program also accelerates growth and supports the many small defense businesses across our country — many of which are located at home in Chester County.”
A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).
“America’s proud tradition of innovation is key if we are to counter the rising threats to our national security. Therefore, I am proud to once again support the introduction of the Investing in American Defense Technologies Act,” Fallon said. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is necessary towards fueling investment and innovation across the country to develop dynamic, advanced defense technologies.”
Wittman said in order to remain competitive against adversaries, the United States must be ahead of the curve on defense technology innovation.
“I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important piece of legislation to promote the level of growth and innovation necessary for ensuring advanced defense technologies are adopted by the U.S. military at the pace of relevance,” Wittman said.