WASHINGTON, March 30 (UPI) -- Funding shortfalls could threaten the morale of U.S. forces, a congressman warned Thursday.
"When the consistent four-year decline in the exchange dividend contributions to MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs) is added to the relative decline in appropriated fund support, I think the challenges to sustaining MWR programs are widespread and serious," Rep. John M. McHugh, R-N.Y., said.
McHugh is the ranking Republican on the Military Personnel Subcommittee of the Armed Services Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives. His statement was released Thursday.
"In general, each of the services at present appears able to support MWR activities and programs that meet that quality of life objective. However ... there are several significant challenges coming together that must be addressed if today's levels of support are to be sustained," McHugh said.
"BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure), global re-basing, pressure on appropriated fund support, declining MWR dividends and extended operations in a wartime environment are all elements that could fundamentally alter the MWR programs," the congressman said.
"... When measured in constant dollars, each of the services will spend less in appropriated funding on MWR in 2007 than each did in 2003. Overall in the Department of Defense, appropriated fund support in 2007 is only about 88 percent of what it was in 2003," McHugh said.
"When the consistent four-year decline in the exchange dividend contributions to MWR is added to the relative decline in appropriated fund support, I think the challenges to sustaining MWR programs are widespread and serious."
