White House Opposes Base Closing, Other Restrictions

The Bush administration has issued a policy statement opposing several proposed amendments to the annual Defense Department authorization bill (S-1042) that could come to a Senate vote this week. It threatened a veto if the bill “weakens, delays, or repeals” the base closing process currently underway. The bill has been in legislative limbo for several months for several reasons, including potential amendments that could stall or kill the process, through reporting requirements, funding cuts or other maneuvers. The administration also opposes provisions already in the bill mandating a 15 percent increase in the DoD acquisition workforce over the next three fiscal years and its restrictions on converting military to civilian positions, on grounds they would hinder the department’s ability to manage the workforce effectively.