Jasper Packard: “I am in support of H.R. 4425 the FY2001 Military Construction Appropriations Act. This bill provides funds to support…”

“I am in support of H.R. 4425 the FY2001 Military Construction Appropriations Act. This bill provides funds to support our military men and women. Mr. Chairman, the quality of life of our military service men and women is paramount to national security. Retaining skilled, talented, and hard-working men and women into the armed services cannot be guaranteed without ensuring that medical facilities meet medical needs. Our efforts to attract bright, gifted young people will struggle without military housing that protects and serves the needs of families. This bill makes much needed improvements on infrastructure and represents our commitment to those who put their lives on the line everyday to ensure that our quality of life is protected. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 4425 also approves the Department of Defense's three-pronged approach to military housing needs which includes: eliminating out-of-pocket housing costs by raising the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), maintaining existing levels of military construction funding and continuing privatization projects. This legislation recognizes the varying cost-of-living throughout the United States and applies creative solutions to military housing needs. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation and continue our commitment to our military personnel.”