Jerry Lewis: “I must say to my colleague from Puerto Rico that there is language within the bill that would require that the Secretary…”

“I must say to my colleague from Puerto Rico that there is language within the bill that would require that the Secretary of the Navy close Roosevelt Roads. And, frankly, I had designed very simple language that would make sure that happened expeditiously and beyond that that there be no complications regarding work, environment, et cetera. I know the gentleman from Puerto Rico and I have worked very closely together; but I want him to know I am very, very concerned about the language that is in this bill that is coming out of the conference. The language essentially takes us back to the BRACC process. And I am afraid, I do not want to be apologizing for this process, but I must say there is a need to ring some bells here because the people of Puerto Rico could experience the worst of all worlds with this base closing earlier than any other base in the BRACC process, but at the same time being tied to the BRACC process.”