[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 25, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF THE ``MILITARY RANGE LEGACY ACT OF 2006''

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2006

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the ``Military 
Range Legacy Act of 2006.'' This bill strengthens military base clean-
up programs through the use and development of new technologies, better 
programmatic organization, and a greater attention to the needs of the 
communities impacted by base closures.
  I am proud that the United States has the best trained military in 
the world. Yet, as a result of this training, over 3,000 sites on 
former military ranges are contaminated with unexploded ordnance, UXO 
discarded military munitions, and munitions constituents. These sites, 
littered with still-dangerous explosives and harmful contaminants, pose 
health and safety risks to our communities while preventing the 
redevelopment of closed bases and limiting opportunities for job 
creation and economic growth. By passing the Military Range Legacy Act 
or including provisions of it in the 2007 National Defense 
Authorization Act and providing the necessary funding, we can achieve 
real progress towards making our former defense communities safer, 
healthier, and more economically secure.

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