National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016

Floor Speech

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Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I thank my colleague.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the Castor amendment, which is an amendment in support of military families across the country. It expresses the sense of Congress that, when it comes to housing military members, the Pentagon should factor in the commuting times for base personnel and the land available for on-base housing.

On-base housing is a critical readiness issue. Having our servicemembers as close to their assignments as possible is vital. DOD must ensure that the decisions relating to base housing take into account relevant factors, and each base is different.

For example, at MacDill Air Force Base in my hometown in Tampa, Florida, it is home to the 6th Air Mobility Wing, United States Special Operations Command, and United States Central Command.

The recent expansion of on-base housing for military families has been a great success. Pursuant to a public-private partnership that was authorized in 2007, 572 homes have been constructed on the base. This has been a godsend for the families at MacDill, and here is why: the neighborhoods closest to the base are expensive and out of reach for many military families, so servicemembers oftentimes buy homes about 30 miles away and then commute to the base.

This recent public-private partnership at MacDill has been a win-win for the military and the families who serve. In fact, one top Pentagon official who oversees installations noted that the MacDill Air Force Base housing initiative was one of her favorites, forcewide, and was exceptional.

Think about the difference it makes to that military family when they can live close to where they work and where their children attend school.

Now, until recently, the Air Force and the housing contractor were discussing the next phase of on-base housing. MacDill has over 330 families on a waiting list. Unfortunately, despite the long waiting list, the obvious demand, the Air Force has inexplicably terminated discussions.

If this is happening in my community, it could be happening in yours, and with scarce Federal dollars, we must continue to encourage fruitful public-private partnerships and the best interests of our brave men and women in the service.

I thank Chairman Thornberry, Ranking Member Smith, and Mr. Larsen for their support of the amendment, and I urge adoption.

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