WASHIGTON, D.C. – Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Pat Fallon (R-TX), alongside Representative Rob Wittman (R-VA) reintroduced the Investing in American Defense Technologies Act. This bill would establish a federal public-private partnership to scale, support, and invest in American defense-centric small businesses producing advanced capabilities, including hypersonics, space, and autonomous systems. A companion bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will help fuel cutting-edge defense technology production and make the United States safer and more competitive. 

“America’s national security capabilities risk falling behind due to the Department of Defense (DoD)’s challenges in collaborating with private security companies. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation aims to solve this problem by creating the Advanced Technology Investment Incentive Program which incentivizes private defense companies to work with the DoD,” said Houlahan. “This program also accelerates growth and supports the many small defense businesses across our country — many of which are located at home in Chester County.  

“America’s proud tradition of innovation is key if we are to counter the rising threats to our national security. Therefore, I am proud to once again support the introduction of the Investing in American Defense Technologies Act,” said Fallon. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is necessary towards fueling investment and innovation across the country to develop dynamic, advanced defense technologies.” 

“In order to remain competitive against our adversaries, the United States must be ahead of the curve on defense technology innovation. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important piece of legislation to promote the level of growth and innovation necessary for ensuring advanced defense technologies are adopted by the U.S. military at the pace of relevance,” said Wittman. 

“When it comes to maintaining the United States’ edge in advanced defense capabilities, we cannot afford to fall behind China,” said Rosen. “I’m introducing this bipartisan bill to bolster our competitiveness by establishing a public-private partnership to enable American defense-focused small businesses to succeed and scale their advanced technology innovations.” 

“This bipartisan legislation will improve the acquisition of cutting-edge technology for national defense and security,” said Blackburn. “It encourages private capital to invest in small businesses that have traditionally been unable to be a part of producing equipment for our country’s armed forces.” 

Houlahan recently introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen U.S. national security. Earlier this year, she introduced the Taiwan Cybersecurity Resiliency Act, which would require the U.S. Department of Defense to expand cybersecurity cooperation with Taiwan to help them counter cyber threats from China. 

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress. 

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