In this week’s episode of Building the Base, Hondo and Lauren talk with Michael John Gallagher, U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District to discuss the future of the defense industrial network.  

Throughout the podcast, Representative Gallagher touches on the role of increased automation in cutting edge technology, investing in the workforce, and the Pentagon’s procurement efforts. Representative Gallagher highlighted the importance of streamlining how authorities work with the Pentagon and the need for presidential leadership in increasing collaboration between DoD and the Hill. In this regard, such collaborations are important for enhancing our domestic infrastructure and getting out of a dysfunctional budget cycle.  

Hondo, Lauren, and Representative Gallagher go on to discuss a variety of topics, including: 

• The role of higher education in innovation 
• Need for greater oversight in DoD operations 
• Cyber weaknesses and CISA 
• IP Theft 
• Mentorship