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Foxx legislation to improve military housing in NC passes House
Washington, DC,
June 25, 2009
Bipartisan legislation championed by Congresswoman Virginia Foxx that promises to improve on-base housing for soldiers living in Army barracks today passed the U.S. House of Representatives as part of the Defense Authorization Act
Contact: 202-225-2071 Program will help enhance barracks conditions at Fort Bragg Bipartisan legislation championed by Congresswoman Virginia Foxx that promises to improve on-base housing for soldiers living in Army barracks today passed the U.S. House of Representatives as part of the Defense Authorization Act of 2009. Foxx’s legislation, the Sustain, Support and Defend Act of 2009 (H.R. 1223), directs the Army to expand a pilot program called the First Sergeant’s Barracks Initiative to Army bases across the country. “America’s soldiers deserve on-base housing that reflects our nation’s commitment to their well-being,” Foxx said. “After all they have sacrificed, the least we can do is ensure their housing meets rigorous quality standards—and this legislation will help put practices in place to keep housing standards high.” H.R. 1223, which was included in the Defense Authorization Act, changes the way the Army maintains barracks for soldiers. Instead of individual units maintaining barracks, the legislation directs the Army to designate a separate maintenance team to be responsible for barracks housing. Such an arrangement will provide for the upkeep of barracks while Army units are deployed and their barracks are vacant and prone to deterioration. This legislation aims to prevent subpar housing conditions such as those that were widely cited in media reports last year at Fort Bragg, NC. Barracks at Fort Bragg for soldiers returning from a tour of duty were reported to have fallen into a state of disrepair in the deployed unit’s absence. Additionally, implementing the First Sergeant’s Barracks Initiative (FSBI) will result in considerable cost savings for the Army. A pilot FSBI program at Fort Hood, Texas not only improved the condition of barracks but also increased the lifespan of the barracks and their furnishings. “Making this program an Army-wide policy has the beneficial side-effect of increasing efficiency and saving money,” Foxx said. “Rarely do we have an opportunity to both improve the care provided to our military and save money at the same time.” H.R. 1223 had seven cosponsors, including North Carolina Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-8). |