Opening Statements

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Rob Wittman (R-VA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Tactical Air & Land Forces, delivered the following remarks at a joint Tactical Air & Land Forces and Readiness subcommittee hearing on Army efforts to modernize and increase the capacity of the organic industrial base. 

Stream the hearing live here. 

Chairman Wittman's Full Opening Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:

Over the last several years, major vulnerabilities in the organic industrial base (OIB) have become apparent.

After the depletion of stockpiles for support to Ukraine, scaling domestic production, particularly of munitions, has exposed an inability of the supply chain to keep up with the growth in demand.

While modernization efforts have been underway for our arsenals, depots, and ammunition plants, we have a long way to go.

With that said, I have concerns with the sustainability of certain Army goals, specifically the goal to reach production of one hundred thousand 155mm rounds per month.

While I support this goal, as 155’s have proven their value in wartime, I worry about the sustainment of production capacity once the demand and requirements for this munition decrease.

It is imperative that the Army responsibly invests in industry partners and production facilities.

I am eager to hear from the witnesses on the progress of the many modernization projects across the OIB.

Most army ammunition plants and arsenals have technology and processes from World War II.

With supplemental dollars and a 15-year modernization strategy with plans to invest roughly $18 billion dollars across the OIB, I’m optimistic about the Army’s efforts for updated production technology and facilities.

With improved production lines boasting flexibility and advanced manufacturing, the OIB will be better positioned for production surges.

We must ensure that the billions of dollars we have invested are appropriately spent across facilities.

The modernization of energetics is another key issue within the OIB.

Novel energetics can and will increase lethality and range for ordnance, propulsion, and weapon systems, giving the warfighter a greater edge in future fights and ensuring that our technology remains bounds ahead of our adversaries.

Though industry and academic institutions are currently developing improved energetic materials, the Department is still primarily using the same energetic materials from World War II.

The historic lack of central management and strategy across the services has delayed the progress of novel energetic integration into weapon systems.

I am pleased that since last year’s hearing, the Joint Energetic Transition Office has been established.

This office will be key in creating central leadership in advancing energetic innovation and integration.

I am looking forward to seeing the work they’ll do across the OIB.  

Today’s hearing will explore the many challenges the Organic Industrial Base encounters including access to a domestic supply chain, antiquated manufacturing processes and fluctuating requirements.

We will also explore the Army’s efforts to scale munition production capacity, to ensure safety standards for servicemembers and civilians working in the production process, and to invest in emerging technologies and new facilities to modernize the OIB.