IV

104TH CONGRESS

1ST SESSION H. CON. RES. 45

Regarding the appropriate congressional response in the event of the reduction

or elimination of the commissary and exchange networks of the Department of Defense.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

MARCH 21, 1995

Mr. UNDERWOOD (for himself, Mr. DELLUMS, Mr. ORTIZ, Mr. MONTGOMERY,

Mr. BRYANT of Tennessee, Mr. TORRES, Mr. WYNN, Mr. BROWN of California, Ms. RIVERS, Mr. FILNER, Mrs. MINK of Hawaii, Mr. CHAMBLISS,

Ms. PELOSI, Mr. FRAZER, Mr. SCOTT, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. FATTAH,

Mr. ROSE, and Mr. VOLKMER) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on National Security

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Regarding the appropriate congressional response in the

event of the reduction or elimination of the commissary

and exchange networks of the Department of Defense.

Whereas the commissary and exchange systems of the Department of Defense are proven and valuable parts of the

compensation package for members of the Armed Forces

of the United States and contribute significantly to the

morale and well-being of members and their dependents;

Whereas the availability of commissary and exchange stores

for members and their dependents is a form of indirect

pay to members by providing a consistent 20 to 25 percent savings on purchases of food and household items;
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Whereas the availability of commissary and exchange stores

is critical in retaining experienced members, is valuable

in recruiting new members, and reduces expenditures by

the Federal Government for training and recruiting or

for direct compensation, which would have to be increased to maintain the same retention level;

Whereas nonappropriated fund activities of the Department

of Defense rely on a ‘‘exchange dividend’’ to fully fund

their morale, welfare, and recreation activities, such as

arts and crafts centers, recreational areas, youth centers,

and child development centers;

Whereas many quality of life improvements for members and

their dependents would not be possible if the ‘‘exchange

dividend’’ is eliminated or if exchange stores are

privatized; and

Whereas the elimination or reduction of the commissary and

exchange stores would be a breach of faith with current

members and with retired members who have earned this

indirect pay through their years of faithful service: Now,

therefore, be it

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate

2 concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that—

3 (1) if the commissary and exchange systems of

4 the Department of Defense are reduced or elimi5 nated, the funds derived from the reduction or elimi6 nation should be used to increase other forms of

7 compensation for current and retired members of

8 the Armed Forces in order to offset the decrease in

9 indirect pay for such members; and
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1 (2) if exchange stores are reduced, eliminated,

2 or privatized, funds should be provided to the De3 partment of Defense to upgrade and avoid the ero4 sion of morale, welfare, and recreation activities and

5 other quality of life facilities provided to current and

6 retired members of the Armed Forces and their de7 pendents.

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