There have been reports in several local papers that a Tennessee family purchased "Dragon Skin" body armor for their son who was deployed to Iraq. The manufacturer, Pinnacle Body Armor claims that the "Dragon Skin" Body Armor is superior to the Improved Outer Tactical Vest currently used by the Army. In response to these claims, I contacted the Army and was told that "Dragon Skin" had failed numerous portions of the test protocol and would leave our soldiers vulnerable. 

It is important stand by our service men and women. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am dedicated to making sure they are provided with the latest and most effective equipment to protect themselves and will continue to monitor this situation closely. We must do everything we can for the men and women who are put in harms way for the sake of our nation.