Army officials haven’t maintained “the level necessary to keep child care centers open - Stars & Stripes

European and Pacific Stars & Stripes:

"WASHINGTON — Members of Congress voiced concerns Tuesday that funding for child care centers, barracks maintenance and other military base programs will be hurt by what they call inadequate money for construction and repair in the proposed 2006 defense budget.

During a House Armed Services subcommittee hearing, Rep. Joel Hefley, R-Colo., said he was “astounded” that Army officials haven’t maintained “the level necessary to keep child care centers open, dining halls serving chow, lights turned on and base employees reporting to work.”

Army operations funding will be underfunded by nearly $1 billion in the proposed 2006 budget, and other military services will see a $400 million drop in much-needed repair and construction funds, according to subcommittee members."