Lawmakers Create Caucus to Aid DOD Tech Modernization Efforts

Reps. Pat Ryan, D-N.Y., and Rob Wittman, R-Va., are spearheading the Defense Modernization Caucus, a group focused on accelerating the Department of Defense’s ability to adopt new technologies and innovations.

Speaking at a National Security Innovation Base Summit hosted by the Ronald Reagan Institute on Wednesday, Wittman, co-chair of the group with Ryan, said that the bipartisan caucus is a much-needed development due to the slow pace of military technology modernization in Congress and the Defense Department.

The caucus’ formation comes at a time when the DOD is pursuing several high-stakes technology initiatives, including the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control and Replicator, DefenseScoop reported.

Modernization has been a key priority for the department due to the growing incidence of cyberattacks and increasing threats from adversaries.

Speaking at a recent Defense IT Summit, DOD Principal Deputy Chief Information Officer Leslie Beavers said that the agency is investing more in cloud, cybersecurity, customer experience and wireless connectivity to ensure a top-tier cyber posture.