Congress has invested heavily in the last few years in this area and we need to keep these programs on track. At the same time, we need to turn our attention to the condition of trainee barracks, which remain quite poor. Much of our focus today will be on the privatization of military family housing. Congress extended the existing authorities for this activity last year through December 31, 2004. At the same time, the military services are working toward a target of 2010 to resolve the problem of inadequate and substandard housing for military families.
Privatization is part of that solution.
Regretfully, both the Army and the Air Force will miss that target, based on current planning, by four and three years respectively. This Subcommittee will continue to be a forceful advocate for the resolution of this problem. 2010 is a goal that we can and should meet.