[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 153 (Thursday, September 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF H.R. 2735, THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEE BASE CLOSURE RETIREMENT 
                                  ACT

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                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 1995

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, the House voted recently to approve the 
Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission's recommendations to 
close additional military bases in California with strong opposition 
from many in the California Congressional Delegation. We opposed the 
Commission's recommendations on national security grounds and because 
the economic impact--particularly on California--will be enormous.
  We opposed the Commission's recommendations because we have very 
serious concerns about the effect of base closures on California's 
economy--particularly since our State has sustained a disproportionate 
number of job losses stemming from previous rounds of military base 
closures. Although there are no military bases slated for closure in my 
congressional district, I oppose the closures out of concern for the 
citizens of California who are being asked to bear a disproportionate 
burden of military downsizing.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to address an issue which I do not believe 
has received enough attention by the Congress. I am concerned that in 
the rush to close military bases we are forgetting about the impact of 
these decisions on the civilian employees who have dedicated their 
lives and their careers to strengthening and maintaining our Nation's 
defense. I am concerned about the impact of base closures on thousands 
of families of Federal workers who will lose their jobs as a result of 
downsizing. We must ensure that these employees receive job training 
and assistance in finding new jobs in the private sector.
  We must also ensure that when we require employees to retire early we 
treat these employees in a fair and equitable manner. I am particularly 
concerned about the fairness of forcing workers to retire early because 
of a base closure. Many of these workers will stand to lose substantial 
pension benefits through no fault of their own.
  Mr. Speaker, we must look for ways to help soften the blow to 
families who will be adversely affected by military base closures. H.R. 
2735, would ease some of the pain for Federal employees who are forced 
to retire early because of a base closure. My legislation would change 
language in existing law that penalizes Federal workers who are forced 
to retire involuntarily. As you know, current law requires that a 
Federal employee who retires early loses a considerable amount of his 
or her retirement earnings for each year he or she is under the age of 
55. My legislation would reduce the penalty by one-half of an employee 
is forced to retire early because of a base closure.
  I urge my colleagues not to forget the thousands of Federal workers 
who have dedicated their lives and careers to Government service. I 
urge you to support this important legislation.

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