Russ Feingold: “this bill marks a milestone for Wisconsin by rescinding funds for Project ELF, a Navy communications system located in…”

“this bill marks a milestone for Wisconsin by rescinding funds for Project ELF, a Navy communications system located in Clam Lake, WI, and Republic, MI. This is one cut that the local congressional delegation will not oppose. In fact, I think most of us welcome it. In the last two Congresses. I have introduced legislation to terminate Project ELF. Senator Kohl has joined me in those efforts, as well as in letters to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of Defense, and the relevant congressional committees urging ELF's termination. Congressman David Obey has been a consistent opponent of Project ELF throughout his congressional tenure, and indeed is responsible for keeping down the initial size of the program. Representatives from nearby areas have also been helpful in our quest. I am pleased that the Senate will take the first step, the first real action, toward finally terminating this outdated and effective program.”