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May 20, 2003

Dear Milt:

Thank you for taking the time to contact my office regarding issues facing Congress. I hope you will forgive this delay in my responding to your concerns. Things have been rather hectic there in Washington and I'm afraid I let my correspondence slip. Please allow me to address your concerns now.

I share your concerns regarding the future of the Rock Island Arsenal. The workload at the nation's arsenals has been shrinking for many years, and as you may know, the Army received a RAND study last year that looked at whether to privatize the Army's arsenals, ammunition plants and depots. The study, which has never been released, reportedly recommended making the arsenals into "federal government corporations" and privatizing a number of other facilities. I have joined the entire Iowa congressional delegation in vocally opposing privatization and implementation of the RAND recommendations.

The Army Material Command (AMC) has taken an alternative approach that shows promise. The AMC is combining the arsenals and a few related facilities under a "Ground Systems Industrial Enterprise," in an attempt to make the facilities more efficient and self-supporting without privatizing them. In addition, a new Joint Munitions Command, led by a 2-star general, is being located at the arsenal. Also, the Army is creating a new Army Field Support Command, led by a 3-star general, which I hope will be at the arsenal as well.

I continue to work to bring federal funds and work to the arsenal. Last year we were able to obtain $15 million in payments to the arsenal to maintain wartime capacity, locate tenants in unused space at the arsenal, make operations more efficient, and to repair the Government Bridge.

The skills and experience of the employees at the Arsenal are essential to maintaining our nation's defense. I am closely monitoring the consolidation process to protect Rock Island Arsenal and ensure the facility and its dedicated workers are treated fairly.

Again, I apologize for my delay in getting back to you. Please keep in touch and continue to keep me informed of your views and concerns.

Sincerely,

Tom Harkin
United States Senator