[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998

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                               speech of

                           HON. DOC HASTINGS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 23, 1997

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1119) to 
     authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1998 and 1999 for 
     military activities of the Department of Defense, to 
     prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal years 1998 
     and 1999, and for other purposes.

  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Chairman, many Department of Energy 
sites have dramatically downsized over the past three years. In fact, 
each of the three largest sites--Hanford, Savannah River, and Oak 
Ridge--have seen reductions in employment of at least 30 percent during 
this time frame. Each has had its work force reduced by at least 3,100 
employees. This has had a dramatic impact on these areas, especially 
those located away from a metropolitan area.
  In spite of these reductions, the committee cut section 3161 economic 
transition funding from $70 million to $22 million--more than a 60 
percent reduction.
  My amendment would restore $44 million to the program, and require 
that the Department contract with a private auditing firm to conduct a 
study examining the impact of the program in the past 2 years, and an 
estimate of the number of jobs created in each community under the 3161 
program.
  This is a responsible, commonsense way to ensure that current 
programs continue, but that we also take steps to ensure that the money 
is spent efficiently.
  If the report suggests otherwise, Congress can then take action to 
address the program's deficiencies.
  As a result, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment.

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