September 21, 2007 06:30 PM UTC

Allard and Salazar still trying to give Pentagon what it wants

• 2 Comments
• by: jfenter

Ken Salazar, despite introducing and moving the House Representative’s Musgrave/Salazar Amendment through the Senate for no funding of an EIS study on Pinon Canyon Expansion, has joined forces with Wayne Allard to actually weaken the Amendment and allow the Pentagon more time to justify why they need all that land when in fact the BRAC stated there was enough land at Fort Carson to adequately train the incoming troops.

Why are these new amendments necessary when this information has not been forthcoming for the last 2 years? Also, the new commander for the Fort who has been a former commander, as well, has admitted they were wanting to expand Pinon Canyon in 2001. Why!

Senators Ken Salazar and Wayne Allard, a self-declared proclaimed supporter of the unpopular proposed expansion at Pinon Canyon, have introduced legislation giving the Pentagon ANOTHER six months to explain why the expansion is necessary followed by a GAO study – another YEAR of studies in all.

The amendment to the Defense Authorization Act is a direct reversal of the no funding language affirmed two weeks ago by the US Senate that prevents any funding for any aspect of the expansion plan.  The same ban on funding was passed by a landslide in the US House  (383 – 34) in June.
We all know the Pentagon cannot and has not justified this fiscally irresponsible expansion.  More studies will keep in place the black cloud that has been hanging over southeastern Colorado for the past years.

NO FUNDING legislation won by a landslide in the House and affirmed two weeks ago by the Senate REMOVES THE THREAT to the environment, our nation’s food security, generational livelihoods, and the ancient and historic treasures preserved in the area.

Senate Amendment 2920 to HR 1585 will come to the floor TODAY.