; the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018) included language recognizing the importance of military painter training, noting that paint training programs can save the Department time and funding resources by using advanced technology and equipment along with hands-on training to effectively apply coatings and reduce waste. Additionally, increasing coating transfer efficiency and preventing corrosion and rework can improve asset readiness . (6) Investing in military painter and coating training and certification programs helps improve military readiness, increases safety for service members, and reduces paint costs. It is prudent for Congress to invest in research that will foster innovations in those areas. (7) The importance of corrosion resistance goes beyond Department assets. Across nearly every sector, corrosion is expensive and poses a safety risk to users. For example, decaying roads and bridges cost the United States economy $5,000,000,000 a year, according to the National Association of Corrosion Engineers. Congress has a duty to pair Federal infrastructure investment with corrosion management to ensure new and existing public infrastructure is built to last. (8) The proper application of anticorrosion coatings requires a high degree of knowledge and skill. According to the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, a poorly executed corrosion prevention project will leave an asset unprotected, increase costs to repair or replace all or parts of it, and irresponsibly use taxpayer dollars. Using trained and certified painters is the most effective way to ensure assets are truly protected from corrosion. 3. National center for military painter training and applied research (a) Establishment Chapter 131 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2228 the following new section: 2228a. National Center for Military Painter Training and Applied Research (a) In general The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Office of Corrosion Policy