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A comprehensive defense policy measure approved by the U.S. House of Representatives recently proposes security improvements for trucks at military base and a evaluation of a new moving agreement.
The National Defense Authorization Act was passed by the chamber on February 17th, 217 to 199. In the bill, there is a provision requiring the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine the programs and procedures related to the U.S. Transportation Command’s Global Household Goods contract (GHC). The bill would also require that the commander of U.S. Transportation Command provide an update on the program to Congress in this year.
American Trucking Associations have welcomed the moving contract provisions. Sean McNally, ATA’s press secretary and senior communication adviser, said in a statement to Transport Topics that “The ATA Moving & Storage Conference congratulates the House Armed Services Committee on including two important provisions which provide necessary and increased oversight for [Department of Defense] Defense Personal Property Program as well as its Global Household Goods Contract Program.”
McNally said that the provisions, which include an independent GAO assessment, will examine key aspects of the program’s implementation, such as secured industry capacity and the application of the Service Contract Act, which have a direct effect on military readiness and the quality of life. “The ATA/MSC executive committee called for the review of the GHC’s feasibility in the past year. The conference has engaged with leaders from the Armed Services Committee including Readiness Subcommittee Chair [Mike] Waltz.”
“Movers for America,” a coalition of independent owners and professional movers, also praised the GAO’s review. The group has proposed the review, as well as a suspension of the program “until the results are clear.”
In a statement released on June 18, the group said: “On behalf many of the companies, and independent haulers, who are currently moving our military families, thank you to the congressional leaders for asking important questions and urging a credible, impartial evaluation of this untested program — before military families face the significant consequences of failure.” “For months, moving companies have raised serious concerns about the viability of the program as it is currently designed, funding levels, and impacts of replacing a competition system with a monopsony. In the interests of our service families, and American competitiveness, Congress should pause GHC implementation until these questions have been satisfactorily addressed, subject to an in-depth look by the GAO.
According to the report prepared by the House Armed Services Panel that accompanied the bill the GAO review is intended to determine “the extent of the [Defense] Department’s monitoring and utilizing feedback received from across the military service regarding the new processes, systems, and requirements established by the [Global Household Goods Contract], including effects on personnel planning and readiness requirements”, as well as “the extent to the new GHC Technology is functional, user friendly for service members, civilians, and their families and integrated between the Department, individual services,
Garamendi
The U.S. Transportation Command stated that the Defense Personal Property Program GHC goal is to ease the relocation process for military families and personnel. HomeSafe Alliance’s contract required it to manage a network commercial moving companies. Its operations include services related to relocation.
A provision aimed at improving security guidelines for transporters of freight on military bases and installations is also included in the annual Defense Bill. The provision builds upon enacted policies.
Waltz, the chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee promoted the measure. He said that it was important to continue to support service members and their families who have answered the call to duty, and to provide our warfighters training, equipment and support to protect our great country.
“No legislation is perfect. This year’s NDAA is no exception. But I’m pleased to have worked bipartisanly to ensure that this must pass legislation addresses the crucial issues for our military family and national security,” said Rep. John Garamendi, D-Calif., the subcommittee’s ranking member.
The Senate Armed Services Committee approved the NDAA version on June 14, by a vote 22-3. The floor discussion has not yet been scheduled. “Passing the NDAA requires bipartisanship – that means you can’t win it all — and I am grateful that my colleagues have a common understanding that getting this bill on the Senate floor, and ultimately to the president’s desk, is our foremost responsibility,” said Jack Reed (D.R.I.), committee chairman and opponent of the bill. “I look forward working with my Senate and House colleagues to find practical ways of strengthening this year’s defence bill.”
Both chambers of Congress approve the bipartisan NDAA each year. The NDAA seeks to increase salaries and health benefits for military personnel.