Austin News

U.S. Senator John Cornyn has proposed several reforms for the Pentagon, aiming to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in America's armed forces. Speaking on the Senate floor, Cornyn highlighted areas where the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could implement changes to improve operations.

Cornyn emphasized the need for efficient spending of taxpayer dollars, criticizing past practices under President Biden's administration. "One of the priorities I’m looking forward to working with DOGE on is to accomplish, as a founding member, is to reform and, hopefully, revitalize the Pentagon," he stated.

He expressed concerns about limited competition in defense contracting and suggested moving away from cost-plus contracts towards fixed-price models. "The lack of competition in this area, combined with our penchant for requiring unique defense systems, has hampered our bargaining power and led to waste and abuse," he noted.

Cornyn also advocated for involving newer defense companies like Anduril and Palantir, alongside SpaceX based in Texas. He believes these companies can contribute positively through innovative business approaches.

Additionally, Cornyn expressed optimism about future progress at the Pentagon under new leadership. He mentioned Secretary-designate Hegseth and collaboration with figures such as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy as key players in driving necessary reforms.

"I’m optimistic that the Pentagon can and will, with our help and encouragement, make progress on all of these fronts in order to be prepared for the challenges that our country faces ahead," he concluded.