Rep. Kilmer Statement on Potential Diversion of Funds from Local Military Construction Programs to Build a Wall at the Southern Border
Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-6) released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Defense releasing a list of military construction projects, including some in Washington state, that could be cut to fund construction of a border wall.
“Yesterday, the President proposed taking $3.6 billion in funding from military construction projects to pay for a border wall. While I’m fine with enhancing border security, I’m not for using American tax dollars to build a 5th century solution to a 21st century problem. Plus, I oppose pulling funds from projects necessary for the readiness of our armed services to fund a project that the President said Mexico would pay for.”
Noting that several of the projects included on the list are in Washington state, Rep. Kilmer said, “two critical projects at Naval Base Kitsap and several others across Washington state could be cut. The affected projects at Naval Base Kitsap include the extension of a pier that would allow all three of our Navy’s Seawolf-class submarines to be homeported together at Bangor and another pier that supports the Maritime Force Protection Unit which protects submarines on their way to and from the base. Both of these projects, which have the potential to create hundreds of jobs and spur economic growth in our region, support missions that are vital to protect us from very real threats currently facing our country.”
“I cannot support the President’s efforts to divert funds and delay projects needed to protect America. For that reason, I voted with the majority of my colleagues in the House to overturn the President’s emergency declaration in February. The Senate also voted to overturn the declaration. The message from Congress is loud and clear – do not cut these vital military projects.”