Proposed FY 2019 military spending budget could impact Fort Hood

President Donald Trump's proposed $686 billion budget for the Department of Defense in fiscal year 2019 could provide a direct impact to Fort Hood, if one U.S. Congressman has his way.

U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, a member of the Defense Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee whose district includes Fort Hood, said he looks forward to fighting for funding for the post in upcoming negotiations to approve funding levels.

"The President's budget request is a starting point for negotiations, and I am encouraged by the Administration's desire to rebuild our military and provide our heroes with the crucial funding they need to be successful," Carter said in an email to the Herald. "Ultimately, it's up to the Appropriations Committee to review the President's requests and develop final funding numbers. Sitting on the House Appropriations Committee affords me the opportunity to continue fighting for much needed funding for Fort Hood improvements and I look forward to advocating on behalf of District 31 throughout this funding process."

Some of the possible equipment Fort Hood could receive if the budget is approved include the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, which is a proposed replacement for the Humvee, and the M-1 Abrams Tank modification. The proposed budget also includes $10.5 billion for infrastructure improvements, some of which could be used to upgrade barracks to improve quality of life for soldiers on post.

U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin — whose district also includes Fort Hood — said he also stands ready to fight for funding Fort Hood projects.

"The President's FY ‘19 budget request reflects critical priorities that will strengthen our national security and defense," Williams said. "Last week, Congress passed a budget agreement that lifts the caps on defense spending for two years. This year, I intend to further work with my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee to do everything in my power to secure adequate funding for Fort Hood, and our Central Texas military community."

Williams served on the Conference Committee for the FY ‘18 National Defense Authorization Act, during which time he said he worked to provide relief for the men and women in uniform that suffered under substantial defense cuts for eight years.

The fiscal year begins annually on Oct. 1. While Congress approved a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through March 23 on Friday, the rest of the current fiscal year has yet to be officially funded.