Southern Wisconsin Times

Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced today that three of his amendments have passed the House of Representatives as part of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act (H.R. 8774). The amendments aim to enhance U.S. national defense capabilities while supporting Wisconsin-based companies.

“The amendments passed today will utilize Wisconsin research and manufacturing to help keep our servicemembers safe,” said Steil. “Wisconsin manufacturers are making critical investments in innovative and advanced technology used by our military. These amendments ensure Wisconsin companies can continue investing in innovative, lifesaving research here.”

Steil’s amendments focus on competitive grant programs that benefit Wisconsin-based companies, including SHINE Technologies and DSB Technologies in Janesville.

Greg Piefer, founder, CEO, and Chairman of SHINE Technologies, emphasized the importance of these initiatives: “Strategic testing of microelectronics and energetics (CAD/PADs) is mission critical to ensuring the safety of our service men and women and the reliability of our military systems necessary for a strong national defense. This funding will increase access and capacity to innovative testing conducted in Wisconsin, while addressing identified backlogs currently challenging our strategic readiness. We appreciate Congressman Steil’s support and leadership on this issue.”

Paul Hauck, CEO of DSB Technologies, also expressed his gratitude: “DSB Technologies in Janesville, a global leader in powder metallurgy with North America’s largest high-temperature sintering furnace capacity, is thrilled to continue partnering with the Navy to develop a novel low-cost missile castings demonstration. Increased funding allows the Navy to surge capacity for affordable munition systems, both enhancing readiness for the warfighter while growing our workforce here in Janesville. DSB is grateful to work with Congressman Steil advancing novel requirements through industry 4.0 manufacturing processes.”

The specific allocations within Steil's amendments are as follows:

Steil Amendment #155 dedicates $10 million to munitions production capabilities aimed at limiting battlefield damage and protecting servicemembers. DSB Technologies is developing a Missile Head Cap prototype using advanced 3D printing technology to expedite manufacturing while reducing costs.

Steil Amendment #156 allocates $10 million for testing military equipment under harsh conditions such as radiation environments. This amendment addresses current insufficiencies in test and evaluation capacities.

Steil Amendment #157 provides $12 million to increase imaging capacity for energetics used in vital equipment like ejector seats on defense aircraft.