Whereas the national network of laboratories and engineering centers that are owned and operated by the United States Armed Forces (referred to in this preamble as the defense laboratories ) should be commended for the unique role that the defense laboratories have played in countless innovations and advances in the areas of defense and national security; Whereas technological progress is responsible for up to 50 percent of the growth of the United States economy and is the principal driving force behind long-term economic growth and increases in the standard of living in the United States; Whereas research and development supported by the Department of Defense has led to new products and processes for state-of-the-art Armed Forces weapons and technology; Whereas defense laboratories frequently partner with State and local governments and regional organizations to transfer technology to the private sector; Whereas defense laboratories have earned prestigious national and international awards for research and technology transfer efforts and lead the way in cutting-edge science and technology; Whereas the innovations that are produced at defense laboratories fuel economic growth by creating new industries, companies, and jobs; Whereas, since the global leadership and national security of the United States is dependent on innovation and new industries, the work of the national network of defense laboratories is essential to the continued prosperity of the United States; and Whereas May 18, 2017, is an appropriate day to designate as Department of Defense Laboratory Day : Now, therefore, be it