Last September, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, budgeting approximately 5.6 billion dollars for military construction at installations affected by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission. Earlier this month, newly elected leaders in the House moved unilaterally, during consideration of a continuing appropriations resolution, to reduce promised funding by approximately 3 billion dollars. This was done despite bipartisan requests to preserve full funding.

I opposed the continuing resolution because of this shortfall and delivered a floor speech registering my strong opposition during debate. I also shared my concerns in verbal and written correspondences with House leaders and members of the Appropriations Committee.

BRAC recommendations are mandated by law. Budget shortfalls will not reverse Fort Knox’s planned transformation, including the addition of an active duty infantry brigade combat team and the Army's Human Resources Command and the move of the Armor School to Georgia. Budget shortfalls could however challenge the pre-established time frame necessary to complete realignment. I am working to prevent that from happening.

Good progress continues to be made at Fort Knox. Construction has already begun on base to align infrastructure and industry to accommodate these new military operations.  Simultaneously, the communities that surround Fort Knox are preparing for the arrival of thousands of new military and civilian employees and their families; negotiating contracts for new homes, schools, businesses and road improvements. Non-profit organizations such as the One Knox are doing a remarkable job coordinating community adjustment needs. These are indeed exciting times for the region.

During our recent BRAC Task Force Meeting, Fort Knox officials reported that 900 new soldiers and civilians have arrived on base as a result of BRAC and other realignments. The Infantry Brigade Combat Team is beginning to organize ahead of schedule. Officials also reported that the Armor School will probably not leave before 2010.

I am currently focused on increasing BRAC funding as an amendment to the upcoming Iraq War supplemental scheduled for debate in early March. Chairmen of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees have both publicly pledged to resolve the BRAC funding shortfall during consideration of this bill.

In the face of significant changes, Ft. Knox and other installations need our commitment to provide full resources to allow them to set new standards of excellence and grow as an integral part of our nation’s defense capacities.

As Chairman of the BRAC Task Force, I pledge to continue working with local citizens, base officials and elected leaders to address realignment concerns and assure that the installation and community remain well-equipped to accommodate requisite changes. Together, we must continue our efforts to cement Fort Knox’s position as a premiere military installation surrounded by communities that are wonderful places to live, work and raise families.