Representing the 21st District of Texas
| October 18, 2006 | Beth Frigola Press Secretary (202) 225-4236 |
Smith to Administration: Keep the Lights on at Fort Sam
Washington D.C. – Congressman Lamar Smith (TX-21) today asked the Administration to increase annual funding for the United States Army. In a letter to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Congressman Smith pointed out that Fort Sam Houston, which is located in the 21st Congressional District, was unable to pay its utility bill for three months.
“I am concerned by the lack of support for base operations at Fort Sam Houston,” said Congressman Smith. “The financial constraints at Fort Sam have a real impact on military personnel and their families.”
As a result of base consolidation, Fort Sam Houston is due to receive 11,000 new Army personnel starting in 2007.
Smith explained, “Fort Sam must have adequate funds to absorb thousands of new people and successfully complete the BRAC transition.”
In June, the Army notified Congressman Smith of a significant shortfall in base installation funding. The shortfall resulted in widespread media accounts detailing the financial constraints at Army bases across the country. The constraints resulted in cancellation of contracts and discontinuation of services such as lawn maintenance and utilities.
Even after the emergency supplemental spending bill passed Congress this fall, the Army determined there would be a $530 million deficit for base operations, including a $26 million shortfall for Fort Sam Houston.
“Over the last several months I have corresponded with the Secretary of the Army and visited Fort Sam to learn as much as I can about the effects of the funding shortfall.
“We must ensure this unacceptable situation does not occur again in the future.
“I have asked that the Administration increase the Army’s budget so that it can fully meet all of its critical missions both at home and abroad,” concluded Smith.
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Congressman Smith is the Chairman of Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee. Read more about Congressman Smith's positions on high technology. |
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21st District
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