Introduction of the Defense Access Roads Improvement Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the ``Defense Access Roads Improvement Act,'' which would make commonsense reforms to reduce congestion outside military installations. The Defense Access Roads (DAR) program is a unique partnership between the U.S. Departments of Defense (DOD) and Transportation. Under the program, the Secretary of Defense designates civilian roadways that provide critical access for domestic military installations as Defense Access Roads, making them eligible for military construction funding transferred to the Department of Transportation for road improvements off base.
Military installations anchor communities across the Nation, including Tavis Air Force Base in my Congressional district. The DAR ensures the DOD pays for maintenance, upkeep, or upgrades of roads impacted by military traffic and the constant movement of heavy equipment and vehicles.
My ``Defense Access Roads Improvement Act'' would create a new, public process for state, county, or municipal governments to petition the Department of Defense to designate new Defense Access Roads, unlocking military funding for needed roadway improvements off base. My bill would establish a new online database for designated Defense Access Roads and any outstanding federal funding requests, which improves public transparency and holds the Pentagon accountable. Lastly, my bill would also allow roads leading to commercial shipyards used by the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard to be designated as Defense Access Roads under the program, instead of just seaports as under current law.
This is a continuation of my work last Congress on the House Armed Forces Subcommittee on Readiness, which oversees all U.S. military installations and the Defense Access Road Program. I am committed to securing additional federal investment in off-base infrastructure. As a senior member of both the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I plan to make this legislation a top priority.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to join me in cosponsoring the ``Defense Access Roads Improvement Act.''
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