[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 101 (Tuesday, June 20, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS ACT

                                 ______


                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 20, 1995
  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, this bill addresses two current and 
critical concerns raised by the Department of Defense: The lack of 
quality family dwellings and a shortage of troop barrack space.
  Two-thirds of the 350,000 family housing units in the Department of 
Defense inventory are over 30 years old and require extensive 
maintenance. Troop housing is in an even more dire situation. About 
one-half of all military barracks were built 30 or more years ago. The 
Department of Defense considers more than a quarter of this housing 
substandard and in need of constant upkeep to deal with problems such 
as asbestos, corroded pipes, inadequate ventilation, faulty heating and 
cooling systems, and peeling lead-based paint. Mr. Speaker, our service 
men and women deserve more. Chairwoman Vucanovich's bill addresses this 
issue.
  This bill also provides adequate support facilities for our service 
members and their families. These facilities are vital to ensure 
adequate working environments, productivity, and readiness, 
particularly with the growing number of deployments. They are essential 
to a strong national defense.
  These men and women voluntarily put their lives on the line to serve 
their country. They deserve nothing less than the best we can offer 
them and I strongly urge support for this bill.


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