[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 19865]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



       DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT CONFERENCE REPORT

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise tonight to express my regret that I 
am unable to sign the conference repot on the Fiscal Year 2000 
Department of Defense Authorization Act.
  This was my first year as a member of the Armed Service Committee. I 
want to commend Chairman Warner and Senator Levin for their leadership 
and commitment to our nation's defense. The committee provided ample 
opportunity for me to learn about the issues, participate in the 
discussion, and express my views. I believe that the process which 
created this bill was, overall, thoughtful and fair.
  This bill has many excellent provisions. It provides for a 
significant increase in defense spending but allocates the funds 
wisely. In creases funds for research and development which we must 
invest in if we are to remain the world's finest fighting force. It 
adds additional funds to the service's operation and maintenance 
accounts which should ease the strain of keeping our bases and 
equipment in good condition. The bill also funds many of the Service 
Chief's unfunded requirements, items, that are not flashy but are vital 
to military readiness.
  Certainly the most important parts of this bill are those that 
address the issue of recruitment and retention. This bill provides for 
a pay increase, restoration of retirement benefits, and special 
incentive pays. The bill also begins to address some of the problems 
identified in the military healthcare system. Our men and women in 
uniform work tirelessly every day to defend the principles of this 
country and they deserve the benefits that are included in this 
legislation.
  I have grave concerns, however, over the sections of this bill which 
affect the Department of Energy. A reorganization of the agency which 
manages our nation's nuclear arsenal should not be undertaken quickly 
or haphazardly. Yet this conference report contains language which was 
not considered by any committee or debated on the floor of either the 
House or the Senate. The ramifications of these provisions are unclear. 
Regrettably, I am unable to support a report which contains such 
provisions until I have had the opportunity to study them further.
  I hope that further analysis reveals that this reorganization is 
workable and that ultimately, I am able to vote in favor of this 
report. However, at this time, I am reserving my judgment and will not 
sign the conference report.




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