Christine Quinn: “I am unable to cast my vote in support of H.R. 3517, the Military Construction Appropriation Act, because I must attend…”

“I am unable to cast my vote in support of H.R. 3517, the Military Construction Appropriation Act, because I must attend the funeral of my friend and constituent, Seymour H. Knox III, of Buffalo. H.R. 3517 underscores this Congress' continuing commitment to America's service personnel and their families, including many of my constituents who serve on the Niagara Falls Air Base. The bill also reflects a continuing commitment to the American taxpayer by calling for a $1.2 billion reduction from last year's level of $11.2 billion-- keeping us on the path toward our ultimate goal of reaching a balanced budget by the year 2002. According to the Quality of Life Task Force chaired by former Secretary of the Army Jack Marsh, 62 percent of troop housing and 64 percent of family housing units are currently unsuitable. This bill helps correct this deficiency. Included in this legislation is $1 billion for family housing construction and improvements benefiting over 10,000 military families. In addition, the bill includes: $36 million for the Homeowners Assistance Fund; $34 million for child development centers; $313 million for hospital and medical facilities; and $88 million for environmental compliance.”