[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 106 (Monday, July 26, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H6356]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SHOULD A GYMNASIUM FOR THE U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY AT WEST POINT COST $85 
                                MILLION?

  (Mr. COBLE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, the Army has requested an $85 million 
construction project for a gymnasium at the United States Military 
Academy at West Point. Apparently the showers are to be gold-plated, 
since the average cost for a military physical fitness facility is $7 
million. This request is outrageous.
  I am advised that the Army has requested no family housing 
construction, yet an $85 million gym enjoys priority status.
  Only last week the Republican tax package emphasized the significance 
of taxpayers retaining more of their hard-earned money. This approach 
emphasizes compassion and common sense, while the Army struts front and 
center demanding an $85 million gymnasium.
  The time has come, Mr. Speaker, for all of us to redirect our 
priorities and practice prudence in lieu of recklessness.

                          ____________________