[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 20 (Thursday, February 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                EFFECT OF BUDGET RESOLUTION ON FORT KNOX

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                             HON. RON LEWIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2007

  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. I rise to register my strong disappointment 
over the dramatic cuts made to the Military Construction account in 
this year's budget for military installations affected by the 2005 Base 
Realignment and Closure Commission.
  I am proud to represent Fort Knox. The overwhelming support 
demonstrated by local citizens, base officials and elected leaders 
continues to cement Fort Knox's position as a premiere military 
installation surrounded by communities that are wonderful places to 
live, work and raise families.
  As a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission 
recommendations, Fort Knox is presently transforming from an 
institutional training installation to a multi-functional installation 
that will include an active duty infantry brigade combat team and the 
Army's Human Resources Command.
  Construction has already begun on base to align infrastructure and 
industry to accommodate these new military operations. Simultaneously, 
many of the communities that surround Fort Knox are preparing for the 
arrival of thousands of new military and civilian employees and their 
families; negotiating contracts for new homes, schools, businesses and 
road improvements. These are indeed exciting times for the region.
  The Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 budgeted 
approximately 5.6 billion dollars for military construction at BRAC 
impacted bases. House Leaders are now proposing budget cuts that would 
reduce promised funding by approximately 3 billion dollars. This 
funding shortfall would seriously impede necessary preparations at a 
number of bases including Fort Knox, leaving the installation and 
community ill-equipped to accommodate requisite changes.
  Democrat leaders moved unilaterally to cut these funds, contradicting 
Speaker Pelosi's pledge to ensure an ``open, honest and full debate'' 
on all matters before the House. If my colleagues and I in the minority 
were allowed due consideration in the process, preserving full funding 
would have been our top priority.
  In the face of significant changes, Ft. Knox and other instillations 
need our full commitment to provide in full resources that will allow 
them to set new standards of excellence and grow as an integral part of 
our nations defense capacities.

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