House Appropriations Committee Issues Report on Military Construction, VA, Related Agencies Appropriations Bill 2019 (Part 1 of 5)
Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of the bill is to support our military and their families and provide the benefits and medical care that our veterans have earned because of their service to our Nation. This is accomplished through the programs funded in the bill, which provide the facilities and infrastructure needed to house, treat, train, and equip our military personnel to defend this Nation, both in
Summary of Committee Recommendation
The Committee recommends
The Committee recommendation highlights the continued commitment to our servicemembers and their families and to our veterans. In discretionary budget authority, the bill is 4.5 percent over the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The bill includes an increase in military construction, which is 3.8 percent above the fiscal year 2018 level, and an increase in the
The programs funded in the bill for the
The total recommended funding level for military construction and family housing, including base and Overseas Contingency Operations funding, including the European Reassurance Initiative, is
The total funding level for fiscal year 2019 for the
Management and Oversight Initiatives
The Committee believes the effective stewardship of taxpayer dollars is of the highest priority. In the interest of eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in Federal programs, the Committee has and will continue to use public hearings, briefings, information requests, and reviews by the Government Accountability Office and the Inspectors General to promote strong financial and program management, oversight and leadership at the
The fiscal year 2019 appropriations Act and the accompanying report address management challenges of the Federal agencies it funds, including directives to strengthen financial and program management, eliminate redundancy, and improve implementation and oversight of initiatives that support the mission of this bill. The Committee will use every means at its disposal to reduce mismanagement that results in waste, fraud, and abuse.
Disability claims and appeals.--Thanks to the significant investments
Information technology (IT).--The Committee continues to include bill language prohibiting obligation or expenditure of funds for information technology systems development until
Financial management system.--The Committee provides
Stricter control of construction funding.--In response to the egregious management of the
High performance and sustainable building requirements.-- The Committee recognizes that innovative technologies, including advanced wood products and recycled aerospace grade carbon fiber composite, have expanded the availability of materials with lower embodied energy for facilities that require exceptional durability and blast resistance. In addition, design techniques such as advanced framing contribute to lower material costs, increased energy efficiency, and reduced waste in facilities. Therefore, the Committee directs the Secretary of Defense to continue to utilize innovative renewable building materials, systems, and design techniques that support the requirements of UFC 1 200 02 and UFGS 06 17 19. Furthermore, the Committee directs the Secretary of Defense to work with universities, public agencies, and experienced non-profit organizations to develop a plan to expand the application of these innovative technologies in future military construction projects and report to the Committee no later than 90 days after enactment of this Act on how the Department will implement the plan.
TITLE I
Military Construction Overview
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level (including rescissions)
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 10,462,617,000
Committee recommendation in the bill (including rescissions)......................................... 10,332,000,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... 241,000,000
Fiscal year 2018 budget request................... (130,617,000)
Military construction accounts provide funds for new construction, construction improvements, planning and design, and host nation support. Projects funded by these accounts include facilities for operations, training, maintenance, research and development, supply, medical care, and force protection, as well as unaccompanied housing, utilities infrastructure, and land acquisition.
Reprogramming guidelines.--The following reprogramming guidelines apply for all military construction and family housing projects. A project or account (including the sub- elements of an account) which has been specifically reduced by the
The reprogramming criteria that apply to military construction projects (25 percent of the funded amount or
In addition to these guidelines, the services are directed to adhere to the guidance for military construction reprogramming actions and notifications, including the pertinent statutory authorities contained in
Facilities Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization (FSRM).--The
(1) components of the facility may be repaired by replacement. Such replacement can be up to current standards or codes;
(2) interior arrangements and restorations may be included as repair;
(3) additions, new facilities, and functional conversions must be performed as military construction projects. Such projects may be done concurrently with repair projects as long as the final conjunctively funded project is a complete and usable facility; and
(4) the appropriate service secretary shall notify the appropriate committees 21 days prior to carrying out any repair project with an estimated cost in excess of
Quarterly summary of notifications.--The Committee directs the services and the
Work in Progress or Planned (WIP) curve.--The Committee directs the services and the
Transfer of funds to and from the Foreign Currency Fluctuations, Construction, Defense Account.--The Committee directs the
Bid savings.--The Committee has ascertained from cost variation notices required by 10 U.S.C. 2853 that the
Incremental funding of projects.--In general, the Committee supports full funding for military construction projects if they are executable. However, it continues to be the practice of the Committee to provide incremental funding for certain large projects to enable the services to more efficiently allocate military construction dollars among projects that can be executed in the year of appropriation. Therefore, the Committee recommendation includes 12 projects that have been incrementally funded; however the full authorization of the projects will be provided in the fiscal year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act.
Federally Recognized Tribes.--The Committee notes our nation's commitment to honoring treaty and trust obligations to Federally Recognized Tribes. While military operations and facility protection are important, upholding our commitments to Indian Country must be an equal priority. It has been observed that the
Impacts of weather and security for Military Installations.--The
Joint Military Bases.--The Committee is concerned that Joint Bases lack a full complement of training facilities such as aquatic facilities for complete education. This often results in burdening local communities to attempt to accommodate training at insufficient facilities. The Department is encouraged to prioritize construction of training facilities that will diminish impacts on surrounding communities and increase readiness.
Defense Access Roads.--The Committee is concerned about the lack of future planning for Defense Access Roads (DAR) and transportation infrastructure needs as continued flooding of vital access roads occurs more frequently. The Committee directs the Secretary of Defense to work with the Secretary of Transportation to prioritize DAR roads and projects specifically examining bases in communities that have experienced flooding by both non-storm surge flooding and flooding due to storm surge and report to the Committee no later than 30 days after enactment of this Act on its findings. Further, the Committee is concerned about the increasingly harmful impact of flooding on facilities at
Enhancing force protection and security on military installations.--The Committee, in collaboration with the
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 1,011,768,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 1,001,768,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... 77,774,000
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... (10,000,000)
The recommendation includes additional funding for the Army in section 125 under Administrative Provisions for projects on the Services Unfunded Priority lists as provided by the
Aircraft maintenance hangars.--The Committee is concerned that many of our aircraft maintenance hangar facilities are unsafe, antiquated, and do not provide adequate space for storage and maintenance of our aircraft. For example, the current
Rapid deployment requirements.--The Committee is concerned that the Army is not adequately prioritizing logistics infrastructure on bases with rapid deployment requirements. Therefore, the Secretary of the Army is directed to report to the congressional defense committees no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act on the backlog of infrastructure and the plan to eliminate the backlog by fiscal year.
Army Futures Command.--The Committee is aware that the Army is in the process of standing up a new Army Futures Command which is the most significant Army reorganization effort since 1973. This will be the fourth Army Command, and its mission is to drive the Army into the future to achieve clear overmatch in future conflicts. The Army has identified 15 locations where Army Futures Command could be located. The Committee is concerned that the Army is failing to consider existing locations that could be suitable for this new Command. The Committee directs the Secretary of the Army to provide a report on how the 15 locations were selected and identify current Army locations where Futures Command could be established no later than 30 days after enactment of this Act.
Access Control Points.--Since
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 2,543,189,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 2,100,298,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... 547,023,000
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... (442,891,000)
The recommendation includes additional funding for the
Public Law 115-141 provided funding for the
F-35 beddown.--The Committee is concerned that there is little coordination among the
Shipyard Infrastructure.--The Committee recognizes the strategic and critical role our public shipyards play in the national security of our nation. However, our shipyards are in direct need of maintenance and upgrade. The Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act included language directing the
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 1,725,707,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 1,454,723,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... (88,835,000)
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... (270,984,000)
The recommendation includes additional funding for the
The recommendation includes a rescission of
Public Law 115-141 provided additional funding for increment
Air traffic control towers.--The Committee is concerned that the
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 2,693,324,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 2,465,738,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... (345,775,000)
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... (227,586,000)
Transfer of funds.--The accompanying bill provides transfer authority to the Secretary of Defense to allow the transfer of funds to such appropriations of the
The recommendation includes a reduction of
The recommendation does not include
Inadequate roads infrastructure.--The Committee is concerned that inadequate local, state, and federal roads and insufficient parking accommodations and structures are unable to accommodate the volume of cars and are causing delays for civilians and service members working at critical national security mission locations, such as the
Information Technology Infrastructure for Military Construction Projects.--The Committee recognizes that information technology is an essential component in constructing modern facilities for military missions as well as planning for future requirements. Technology advancements can lead to increased productivity as well as efficiencies on energy and space, which impact military construction and modernization projects. It is essential that military planning keep up with advancements in technology in order to take advantage of these efficiencies and benefits. The mission-sets behind numerous military construction projects include requirements for access to multiple classified networks. The Committee is aware of technology that can streamline historically compartmented classified networks through cross domain solutions. Not only does this drastically impact future productivity for the workforce but it could also yield substantial savings and efficiencies on space, energy, and HVAC requirements. In an effort to ensure these technology advancements are incorporated at the early stages of planning for military construction, the Secretary of Defense shall report to the Committee no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act on how each department is staying apprised of technology advancements, working with industry partners on ways to gain efficiencies and savings on military construction projects, and how they plan to utilize cross domain solutions early in the planning stages for construction projects.
National Maritime Intelligence Center.--The National Maritime Intelligence Center (NMIC) is located on the Suitland Federal Center in
Installation resourcing.--The Committee is concerned that some
DOD Installation Energy Policy.--
Guard and Reserve Item of Interest
Fiscal Year 2018 National Guard Reporting Requirement.-- Since fiscal year 2012 the Committee has noted the need to bolster
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 180,122,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 180,122,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... (40,530,000)
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... - - -
The recommendation includes additional funding for the
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 129,126,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 129,126,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... (42,365,000)
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... - - -
The recommendation includes additional funding for the
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 64,919,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 64,919,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... (18,793,000)
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... - - -
The recommendation includes additional funding for the
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 43,065,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 43,065,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... (52,206,000)
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... - - -
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 50,163,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 50,163,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... (23,372,000)
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... - - -
The Committee recommendation includes additional funding for the Air Force Reserve in section 125 under Administrative Provisions for projects on the Services Unfunded Priority lists as provided by the
Air Force Reserve Hangars.--The Committee is concerned that many of the Air Force Reserve Hangars that have been damaged during the record breaking 2017 hurricane season are unsafe, antiquated, and do not provide adequate protection of Air Force Reserve air assets. For example, hangers located at Homestead Air Reserve Base have become wholly inadequate due to constrained military construction budgets and devastating storm damage and are putting equipment and air assets at risk. The Committee is concerned that this could be a problem throughout the Air Force Reserve enterprise with the recent reductions to the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 171,064,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 171,064,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... (6,868,000)
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... - - -
The recommendation includes a rescission of
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program (NSIP) consists of annual contributions by
The
Family Housing Overview
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 1,582,632,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 1,582,632,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... 173,195,000
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... - - -
Family housing construction accounts provide funds for new construction, construction improvements, the Federal government costs for family housing privatization projects, and planning and design. The operation and maintenance accounts provide funds to pay for maintenance and repair, furnishings, management, services, utilities, leasing, interest, mortgage insurance, and miscellaneous expenses.
Foreign currency savings and sub-account transfers.--The Committee directs that savings in family housing operation and maintenance accounts from foreign currency re-estimates be used to maintain and repair existing family housing units. The Comptroller is directed to report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Leasing reporting requirements.--The Secretary of Defense is directed to report to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 330,660,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 330,660,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... 147,998,000
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... - - -
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 376,509,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 376,509,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... 27,602,000
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... - - -
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 104,581,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 104,581,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... 20,899,000
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... - - -
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance,
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 314,536,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 314,536,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... (13,746,000)
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... - - -
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 78,446,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 78,446,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... (6,616,000)
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... - - -
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance,
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 317,274,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 317,274,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... (1,050,000)
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... - - -
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 58,373,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 58,373,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... (796,000)
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... - - -
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 1,653,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 1,653,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... (1,073,000)
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... - - -
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 600,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 600,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... (23,000)
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... - - -
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level........................
Fiscal year 2019 budget request....................... 267,538,000
Committee recommendation in the bill.................. 322,390,000
Comparison with:
Fiscal year 2018 enacted level.................... 12,390,000
Fiscal year 2019 budget request................... 54,852,000
The recommendation provides additional funding for the
Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA).--The Committee has provided additional funds for the continued review of contaminations across the
Continues with Part 2 of 5
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