Taylor Pledges Hearing on Navy Boat Barriers

U.S. Congressman Gene Taylor, Chairman of the Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee, informed the United States Navy that he will hold a hearing to investigate alleged problems and potential wrongdoing in the procurement of Navy boat barriers. "Today's front-page Washington Post story suggesting widespread waste, disregard of federal procurement rules and possible wrongdoing in the Navy's purchase of ship force protection barriers presents a shocking picture of abuse," said Taylor. "This demands greater Congressional oversight." "Based on what I have read, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) appears to have taken the unusual position of insisting that it lead the investigation into its own alleged wrongdoing. I have called for an immediate hearing into this issue," Taylor concluded. Rep. Taylor scheduled the hearing for June 6, 2007, immediately following the Congressional Memorial Day district work period. The Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee, of the House Armed Services Committee, has oversight jurisdiction over Navy and Marine Corps procurement programs. Chairman Taylor has been a driving force in Congressional efforts to ensure the Department of Defense provides effective force protection for service members deployed around the world.