Carter Remarks at FY25 Budget Request For Air Force and Space Force Military Construction and Family Housing (As Prepared)

Good afternoon. Welcome.

Today’s hearing is on the Army’s fiscal year 2025 budget request for military construction and family housing.

It is a great pleasure to welcome back the Honorable Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment and Lieutenant General Kevin Vereen, Deputy Chief of Staff G9, Installation Management Command.

Last year we discussed challenges and opportunities for the Army in INDOPACOM as well as the importance of childcare facilities for our soldiers and their families. I look forward to continuing that discussion today as well as discussing the Army’s efforts to address the deficiencies in barracks identified by the GAO.

Investing in facilities and infrastructure is critical to supporting our soldiers and their families. These investments directly impact the way our soldiers train, sleep, eat, and take care of their families. High quality infrastructure is the bedrock of the quality of life for our Army families and directly impacts military readiness.

And now I would like to recognize Ms. Wasserman Schultz for her opening remarks.