Richard Pombo: “I rise in support of the Everett amendment. This amendment embodies many of the ideas that we all claim to stand for…”

“I rise in support of the Everett amendment. This amendment embodies many of the ideas that we all claim to stand for: open competition and smaller government. While this amendment does not require privatization, it merely ensures that the competition process remains on a level playing field between private industry and public military depots. I believe the provisions of this bill specifically target Sacramento's McClellan Air Force Base in my home State of California and Kelly Air Force Base in Texas. As currently drafted, this bill prevents the public-private competitions that are now taking place at McClellan and Kelly. Secretary of Defense Cohen has stated unequivocally that the significance of privatization is part of DOD's efforts to save taxpayer dollars. In addition, these provisions would be anticompetitive and would frustrate the integrity of the BRAC process. Furthermore, privatization at McClellan and Kelly is fully consistent with the BRAC recommendations. I urge the support of the Everett amendment.”