Max Cleland: “It has taken 9 long months to get to where we are today. Yet one issue remains controversial. In spite of numerous…”

“It has taken 9 long months to get to where we are today. Yet one issue remains controversial. In spite of numerous profound concessions made by the Depot Caucus, this bill faces the threat of a veto. I do not understand this. Much has been said on this topic, so I will be very brief. There were at least two significant concessions. First, we agreed to the Department of Defense request to continue free and open public-private competitions for the workloads at Kelly Air Force Base, TX, and McClellan Air Force Base, CA, rather than directing the Department to transfer this workload to the remaining depots, which we believe was the intent of the BRAC. I would urge those who do not believe this is a major concession to consider that this measure would essentially ratify a mechanism that overrides a major BRAC recommendation. Second, we agreed to the Department of Defense request to lower the 60-40 rule to 50-50. The administration requested 50-50. The Congress responded with 50-50, over the objection of many in the Depot Caucus. What I find ironic is that on the two most significant priorities the administration had, we conceded to the administration position. Yet there is still talk of a veto here. I do not understand that, especially when I have to explain to people why we agreed to give up so much in return for so little. I am not completely satisfied with the depot provision in the conference report, but it is a provision I can live with.”