SEN ROGER WICKER: The Pentagon needs major reform. Now is our chance

Senate Armed Services Committee advances Pentagon reforms to modernize defense procurement, increase competition, and support military technology investment.

Roger Wicker is a Republican representing Mississippi in the United States Senate.

Fortunately, President Donald Trump campaigned on both these issues. He promised a defense spending boost, and we are well on our way after the $150 billion military infusion included in the reconciliation bill.  And the president promised to pursue wholesale Pentagon reform, getting rid of red tape and instead freeing our innovators to build weapons better, faster and at lower cost.

In Congress, we recognize that we have no time to waste. The Senate Armed Services Committee recently voted overwhelmingly (26-1) to advance Congress’ annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill contains the most significant reforms to the Pentagon’s weapons-buying process in generations.