WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s order to reduce the Pentagon office that oversees weapons testing.
“The purpose of the Office of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) is to evaluate operational effectiveness, suitability, survivability, and lethality of DoD weapon systems in combat. It’s a mandate that is critically important to our national defense and it has broad support on both sides of the aisle. Secretary Hegseth’s short-sighted decision to massively gut DOT&E in search of false efficiencies runs counter to those bipartisan priorities and the needs of our military. While he may claim this reduction is intended to save money, the unfortunate reality is that these cuts would weaken our ability to ensure weapon systems meet operational requirements, hinder our ability to hold contractors accountable, and increase the likelihood that the equipment service members rely on will not work as advertised.
“I urge Secretary Hegseth to reconsider this ill-advised course of action both for the benefit of our national defense and the lives of our service members.”
“The purpose of the Office of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) is to evaluate operational effectiveness, suitability, survivability, and lethality of DoD weapon systems in combat. It’s a mandate that is critically important to our national defense and it has broad support on both sides of the aisle. Secretary Hegseth’s short-sighted decision to massively gut DOT&E in search of false efficiencies runs counter to those bipartisan priorities and the needs of our military. While he may claim this reduction is intended to save money, the unfortunate reality is that these cuts would weaken our ability to ensure weapon systems meet operational requirements, hinder our ability to hold contractors accountable, and increase the likelihood that the equipment service members rely on will not work as advertised.
“I urge Secretary Hegseth to reconsider this ill-advised course of action both for the benefit of our national defense and the lives of our service members.”
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