[Congressional Bills 104th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 45 Introduced in House (IH)]







104th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 45

 Regarding the appropriate congressional response in the event of the 
reduction or elimination of the commissary and exchange networks of the 
                         Department of Defense.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 21, 1995

Mr. Underwood (for himself, Mr. Dellums, Mr. Ortiz, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. 
Bryant of Tennessee, Mr. Torres, Mr. Wynn, Mr. Brown of California, Ms. 
Rivers, Mr. Filner, Mrs. Mink of Hawaii, Mr. Chambliss, Ms. Pelosi, Mr. 
    Frazer, Mr. Scott, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Fattah, Mr. Rose, and Mr. 
   Volkmer) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
             referred to the Committee on National Security

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
 Regarding the appropriate congressional response in the event of the 
reduction or elimination of the commissary and exchange networks of the 
                         Department of Defense.

Whereas the commissary and exchange systems of the Department of Defense are 
        proven and valuable parts of the compensation package for members of the 
        Armed Forces of the United States and contribute significantly to the 
        morale and well-being of members and their dependents;
Whereas the availability of commissary and exchange stores for members and their 
        dependents is a form of indirect pay to members by providing a 
        consistent 20 to 25 percent savings on purchases of food and household 
        items;
Whereas the availability of commissary and exchange stores is critical in 
        retaining experienced members, is valuable in recruiting new members, 
        and reduces expenditures by the Federal Government for training and 
        recruiting or for direct compensation, which would have to be increased 
        to maintain the same retention level;
Whereas nonappropriated fund activities of the Department of Defense rely on a 
        ``exchange dividend'' to fully fund their morale, welfare, and 
        recreation activities, such as arts and crafts centers, recreational 
        areas, youth centers, and child development centers;
Whereas many quality of life improvements for members and their dependents would 
        not be possible if the ``exchange dividend'' is eliminated or if 
        exchange stores are privatized; and
Whereas the elimination or reduction of the commissary and exchange stores would 
        be a breach of faith with current members and with retired members who 
        have earned this indirect pay through their years of faithful service: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That it is the sense of the Congress that--
            (1) if the commissary and exchange systems of the 
        Department of Defense are reduced or eliminated, the funds 
        derived from the reduction or elimination should be used to 
        increase other forms of compensation for current and retired 
        members of the Armed Forces in order to offset the decrease in 
        indirect pay for such members; and
            (2) if exchange stores are reduced, eliminated, or 
        privatized, funds should be provided to the Department of 
        Defense to upgrade and avoid the erosion of morale, welfare, 
        and recreation activities and other quality of life facilities 
        provided to current and retired members of the Armed Forces and 
        their dependents.
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