Lawmakers from both parties are echoing President Donald Trump’s frustration with major defense companies that for years have bolstered shareholder returns with cash the president says should go to weapons development.
Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order pressing defense contractors to spend less on stock buybacks and dividends while boosting investment in infrastructure and weapons production. Lawmakers suggested going a step further to codify the executive order into law to compel companies to comply.
“I understand his frustration,” House Armed Services Chairman