U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness, addressed ongoing challenges facing military infrastructure during a hearing in Washington, D.C. The session focused on updates regarding military construction (MILCON), environmental and energy programs, base operations support, and facility sustainment.
Bergman began by emphasizing the foundational role of military bases in overall readiness: "Readiness does not begin on the battlefield. It begins on our bases – in the barracks, in our shipyards, in our training facilities, and across the infrastructure that supports the force."
He highlighted rising costs as a significant concern. "A recent study found that barracks cost, on average, 68 percent more than comparable private-sector projects. Physical fitness facilities cost 126 percent more. At current funding levels, that gap translates into billions of dollars in lost buying power each year," Bergman said. He called for better discipline in design and execution and expressed interest in how the Department will implement MILCON reforms from the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act.
Oversight remains crucial for large-scale projects like the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program. Bergman noted substantial increases in project budgets: "Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s dry dock rose from $528 million to $2.2 billion, and Pearl Harbor Shipyard’s overall master plan increased from $6.1 billion to nearly $45 billion." He stressed the need for tight management to prevent overruns affecting other priorities.
Bergman also discussed excess infrastructure within the Department of Defense. "The Army estimates more than 20 percent of its facilities are excess, costing roughly $12 per square foot each year to maintain – which translates to hundreds of millions of dollars spent on buildings that no longer serve a real mission." He urged redirecting resources toward higher readiness priorities and called for a clear plan to adjust facility footprints.
Addressing quality-of-life issues for servicemembers, Bergman mentioned efforts such as Secretary Hegseth’s Barracks Task Force and new funding for urgent repairs: "That is a good start, but decades of underinvestment will not be solved overnight. I expect sustained focus and real progress." He referenced housing reforms included in recent legislation allowing expanded privatization but noted these authorities are temporary.
Environmental cleanup was another area of concern: "The Military Munitions Response Program has more than doubled in scope since its creation, and projected costs now exceed $14 billion." Bergman advocated for improved planning and accountability due to execution delays impacting contractors and communities.
On energy resilience, he recognized small modular reactors as a potential solution for reliable on-site power at installations while emphasizing oversight: "Energy resilience is essential to mission assurance, and this Committee will ensure these efforts are cost-effective, properly regulated, and aligned with long-term mission needs."
PFAS contamination remains a challenge following new EPA drinking water standards. "Projected costs [are] exceeding $9 billion and cleanup timelines recently extended at roughly 140 installations," he said, highlighting ongoing concerns at Camp Grayling.
The House Armed Services Committee—which includes members such as Reps. Joe Wilson, Michael R. Turner and Robert J. Wittman—oversees national defense programs according to its official jurisdiction defined by U.S. House rules (https://armedservices.house.gov/). Rep. Mike Rogers currently serves as chair for the committee (https://armedservices.house.gov/). The committee influences legislation related to defense through acts like the National Defense Authorization Act (https://armedservices.house.gov/) and operates under congressional oversight authority (https://armedservices.house.gov/).
Bergman concluded by reiterating his commitment to ensuring effective use of resources: "Taking care of our servicemembers – giving them safe housing and functional infrastructure – is not optional. It is fundamental to readiness."
