A Conversation with Partner Daniel Sennott, a Former House Armed Services Committee Staff Director

This episode was originally released on May 17, 2021 | In this episode of "The Eyes on Washington Podcast" series, National Security & Defense Industry Sector Group leader Jason Klitenic introduces Partner Daniel Sennott and talks about drafting and passing the yearly National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Mr. Sennott's experience includes most recently a stint as a minority staff director for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services (HASC) in addition to service in the U.S. Army as an armor office and judge advocate. He explains the role of both HASC and its Senate counterpart as well as discusses how companies can interface with Congress and the Department of Defense to ensure their interests are represented in the NDAA. Mr. Sennott also provides an overview of the process of passing the NDAA, from the official kickoff in the president's budget request, to the extensive, sometimes days-long committee debate, to the final conference of the House and Senate bills. The attorneys conclude their conversation by highlighting a few key opportunities for contractors looking to enter the defense space, especially in the emerging technology sphere.