Whereas a Defense Laboratory is defined as any laboratory, Department of Defense funded research and development center, or engineering center that is owned and funded by the Federal Government; Whereas the national network of Defense laboratories should be commended for the unique role they have had in countless innovations and advances in the areas of defense and national security; Whereas technological progress is responsible for up to half the growth of the United States economy and is the principal driving force behind long-term economic growth and increases in our standard of living; Whereas Defense-supported research and development has led to new products and processes for state-of-the-art military weapons and technology; Whereas Defense laboratories frequently partner with State and local governments and regional organizations to transfer technology to the private sector; Whereas by earning prestigious national and international awards for their research and technology transfer efforts, Defense laboratories lead the way in cutting-edge science and technology; Whereas the innovations that are produced at the Nation’s Defense laboratories fuel economic growth by creating new industries, companies, and jobs; Whereas since the United States global leadership and national security is dependent on innovation and new industries, the work of the Nation’s network of Defense laboratories is essential to the Nation’s continued prosperity; and Whereas May 18, 2017, would be an appropriate day to designate as the Department of Defense Laboratory Day 2017 : Now, therefore, be it