User Clip: Rep. Weldon (R-PA) & Sec. Rumsfeld Discuss Military Housing Privatization or MHPI

February 5, 2003 FY 2004 Defense Budget - Rep. Weldon mentions environmental issues involved in MHPI, especially relative to migratory birds at Camp Pendleton.

He reports that he continues to be harassed by "environmental activists" who say the defense department is destroying our environment. Specific dollar amounts & numbers of homes replaced as of Feb 2003 are cited. Claims the Air Force is not cooperating with the MHPI program, but the Army is allegedly doing an excellent job. Rumsfeld claims the new housing is "excellent" & says that only 3 of the 8 ENVIRONMENTAL PROVISIONS DoD REQUESTED for MHPI were approved. Weldon stresses that PRIVATE INVESTORS are funding MHPI - NOT tax payers. Claims the economic leverage for MHPI is 8 to 1, alleging that for every $8 spent on MHPI, tax payers only pay $1. IF THIS WAS TRUE IN 2003, WHEN & WHY DID IT ALL GO SO TERRIBLY WRONG? Since at least 2004, tax payers have funded most, if not ALL of the FAILING MHPI program. close