[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 20 (Tuesday, January 31, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E79]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        INTRODUCTION OF THE DEFENSE ACCESS ROADS IMPROVEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2023

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the ``Defense Access 
Roads Improvement Act,'' which would make commonsense reforms to reduce 
congestion outside military installations. The Defense Access Roads 
(DAR) program is a unique partnership between the U.S. Departments of 
Defense (DOD) and Transportation. Under the program, the Secretary of 
Defense designates civilian roadways that provide critical access for 
domestic military installations as Defense Access Roads, making them 
eligible for military construction funding transferred to the 
Department of Transportation for road improvements off base.
  Military installations anchor communities across the Nation, 
including Tavis Air Force Base in my Congressional district. The DAR 
ensures the DOD pays for maintenance, upkeep, or upgrades of roads 
impacted by military traffic and the constant movement of heavy 
equipment and vehicles.
  My ``Defense Access Roads Improvement Act'' would create a new, 
public process for state, county, or municipal governments to petition 
the Department of Defense to designate new Defense Access Roads, 
unlocking military funding for needed roadway improvements off base. My 
bill would establish a new online database for designated Defense 
Access Roads and any outstanding federal funding requests, which 
improves public transparency and holds the Pentagon accountable. 
Lastly, my bill would also allow roads leading to commercial shipyards 
used by the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard to be designated as Defense Access 
Roads under the program, instead of just seaports as under current law.
  This is a continuation of my work last Congress on the House Armed 
Forces Subcommittee on Readiness, which oversees all U.S. military 
installations and the Defense Access Road Program. I am committed to 
securing additional federal investment in off-base infrastructure. As a 
senior member of both the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure, I plan to make this legislation a 
top priority.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to join me in cosponsoring the 
``Defense Access Roads Improvement Act.''

                          ____________________