Re: News from Washington.

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@igc.org>]

As far as I can tell, the impetus for the cuts and changes in DSMOA
(state) money and RAB (community) supports comes from the staff of the
Senate Armed Services Committee. They have been more supported of DOD
Cleanup than the other three committees with principal jurisdiction, but
somehow they are unaware of what's been happening in the field - that is,
a growing sense of partnership or dialogue.

The Senate DOD Authorization Bill will not come to the floor until
July 31 - subject to delays, perhaps, if other important bills drag on.
If these provisions pass, then the issue goes to conference committee.
They will be "up for grabs" then, because they are not in the House bill.

Of course, it is unlikely that any piece of the legislation will be
improved unless both Senators and Members of Congress hear from affected
constituents.

Lenny