Larry Kissell named to House Armed Services Committee takes immediate action

The House Democratic Caucus approved the nomination of seven new Democratic Members to the House Armed Services Committee and Larry Kissell is among the group. Once named to the committee, Congressman Kissell jumped right in to follow through on his promise to make the funding of our nation's military a top priority.

House Resolution 1391 will provide $6.9 million for the construction of more than 50,000 square feet for a company operations facility. Due to inflation in the construction market, this funding would have been lost without the efforts of Congressman Kissell and the leadership of Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Chet Edwards (D-TX).

Congressman Edwards acknowledged Kissell's commitment to Fort Bragg.

"Larry Kissell cares deeply about our troops, and he is serious about making good on his pledge to bring resources to Fort Bragg on day one," Edwards said. "I look forward to working with Congressman Kissell in the years to come to honor those who serve this great nation in uniform."

Edwards wasn't the only one offering praise. Kissell had a word or two of his own.

"This money is needed at Fort Bragg," Kissell said. "The brave men and women who serve the United States in the armed services must be given the resources at home and abroad that they require to do the difficult and honorable task of keeping our nation free and safe. Chairman Edwards has shown once again that our nation can depend on him and his leadership to help keep our military strong."

This particular pool of money will be used for a project that will provide facilities for the 91st Civil Affairs Battalion which had its unit structure increased from one battalion to one brigade and 4 battalions. Surprisingly, the 91st CAB does not currently have any existing facilities and it is working out of temporary accommodations.

The 91st CAB isn't the only group benefitting from the funds.

The $6.9M is designated for a project that includes construction of a battalion headquarters, motor pool and company operations facility for the 91st Civil Affairs Battalion; a battalion headquarters, company operations, and motor pool for the 4th Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne); two company operations for the 4th Psychological Operations Group and a consolidated rigging facility, drying tower, and communications electronic systems training facility.

Like our schools, much of our military infrastructure is aging and in need of repair. We can't keep putting up temporary buildings and trailers and walking away. Barracks don't have to be pretty, but the men and women sleeping in them shouldn't risk their health every time their heads hit their pillows. Offices and headquarters don't have to be luxurious, but they do need to provide 21st century accommodations.