House of Representatives Passes Garcia Amendment to Provide Greater Transparency for the Military Housing Privatization Initiative

Press Release

Congressman Joe Garcia today issued the following statement on the passage of his amendment as part of the National Defense Authorization bill:

"My amendment will focus the Department of Defense on the issue of private housing companies that are not paying their local taxes. In recent years, one company in Monroe County, Florida has failed to pay over $11 million in local property taxes. That is not right -- everyone should pay their fair share to fund our local schools, law enforcement, and other important public services."

The National Defense Authorization Act reauthorizes defense budget and programs for the next year. Congressman Garcia's amendment, which was included in the bill passed by the House of Representatives earlier today, requires the Secretary of Defense to issue a report to Congress within 90 days of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act on the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, including details of any project owner who has outstanding local tax obligations.

The bill passed the House by a strongly bipartisan vote of 315-108, and now awaits action by the Senate.

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