East Central Alabama News

U.S. Representative Don Bacon (R-NE), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation, delivered an opening statement at the full committee markup for H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement Act and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25).

Rep. Bacon expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the subcommittee and highlighted his anticipation of working with Ranking Member Khanna and other members to advance and oversee the Department of Defense’s cyber and innovation ecosystems.

"This subcommittee is charged with a vital mission – to ensure our warfighters are equipped with the most modern, innovative technologies and solutions to deter and defeat our adversaries," said Rep. Bacon.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring military readiness across all domains of conflict, both physical and cyber. He noted that this effort is foundational to national defense as they consider the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act.

The FY25 Cyber, IT, and Innovation Subcommittee print prioritizes cybersecurity while supporting offensive cyber capabilities in the United States. It includes tools to back initiatives like the Marine Corps’ Cyber Auxiliary and addresses emerging cyber threats targeting mobile devices.

Additionally, Rep. Bacon pointed out that this package promotes research, development, and policy reforms in critical technology areas such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, among others. "The groundwork laid in these technology areas today will allow the United States to maintain our strategic advantage and technological edge over our adversaries like China," he stated.

The subcommittee print also proposes reforms aimed at streamlining Department of Defense bureaucracy. According to Rep. Bacon, current procedures often stifle innovation due to their slow nature. The new provisions aim to reform processes like the Department’s Authority to Operate process for faster integration of software solutions across joint forces.

Furthermore, it establishes a new test and evaluation pipeline within the Defense Innovation Unit for more iterative testing of commercial dual-use technologies.

Rep. Bacon concluded by asserting that these measures would help develop necessary technologies to deter Chinese aggression while ensuring that the U.S. remains a formidable fighting force globally.

"I want to thank all committee members for their thoughtful engagement on these critical issues – this is a successful mark and I encourage your support," he added.

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