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FEDERALhearing transcript

Hearing on Department of Defense Research Laboratories

Original title: [H.A.S.C. No. 114-142] Department of Defense Laboratories: Innovation Through Science and Engineering In Support of Military Operations

January 1, 2017

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The Frame

What this does

This hearing evaluates the effectiveness of the military's internal research network, which directly impacts the development of future defense technologies and the allocation of federal resources for military science and engineering.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Department of Defense Laboratory personnel

The workforce and infrastructure of these labs are subject to congressional oversight and potential policy changes regarding funding and operational flexibility.

Military service members

The research conducted at these labs influences the technology and equipment available for future military operations.

What changed

Last recorded activity January 1, 2017.

What's next

Next step not available in the current record.

Summary

The House held a hearing to examine the role of the Department of Defense's 67 internal research laboratories. The discussion focused on how these facilities maintain innovation, support military operations, and adapt to evolving global threats.

Key Facts

  • The Department of Defense maintains a network of 67 laboratories and engineering centers.
  • The hearing took place on September 28, 2016, in the Rayburn House Office Building.
  • The subcommittee is evaluating whether the current laboratory infrastructure and workforce are sufficient to meet modern military threats.
  • The hearing included testimony from leaders of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Army Corps of Engineers, Naval Research Laboratory, and Army Research Laboratory.
  • The committee is comparing internal DOD innovation efforts with external partnerships in commercial sectors like Silicon Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Defense Laboratory Enterprise?
It is a network of 67 laboratories dedicated to providing scientific and engineering advice and innovation to support military needs.
Why is the subcommittee reviewing these labs?
The chairman expressed concern that the Department of Defense may not be keeping pace with evolving threats and wants to ensure the labs have the necessary workforce and infrastructure.

Why It Matters

This hearing evaluates the effectiveness of the military's internal research network, which directly impacts the development of future defense technologies and the allocation of federal resources for military science and engineering.

News Coverage

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Sponsors

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Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift90% confidence

Shift toward commercial partnerships

The hearing highlights a strategic tension between relying on internal DOD laboratories versus increasing partnerships with commercial tech hubs like Silicon Valley.

Connected Entities

personJeffery P. HollandDirector of the Engineer Research and Development CenterMap →
personRobert D. McMurryMajor General, USAF, Commander of the Air Force Research LaboratoryMap →
organizationDepartment of DefenseThe federal department overseeing the laboratory networkMap →
personJames R. LangevinRanking Member of the SubcommitteeMap →
personEdward R. FranchiActing Director of Research at the Naval Research LaboratoryMap →
personJoe WilsonChairman of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and CapabilitiesMap →
personPhilip PercontiActing Director of the United States Army Research LaboratoryMap →

Sources

Open source document

www.govinfo.gov

Analysis Score

0–100
  • Significance60
    How much this matters to a regular citizen
  • Controversy20
    Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
  • Entertainment10
    Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
  • Buzz15
    Current news / social attention level

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