Safe Drinking Water Act
Key claim: The bill would let the Army, Navy, and Air Force build and upgrade bases, military family housing, and Reserve facilities, and would authorize the money to pay for it.
Abstract
(S1735 · 93th Congress) Military Construction Authorization Act - Authorizes the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to establish or develop military installations and facilities by acquiring, constructing, converting, rehabilitating or installing permanent or temporary public works, appurtenances, utilities, and equipment at designated projects to the extent of the dollar amounts designated by this Act. Authorizes these Secretaries to establish and develop additional installation and facilities which: (1) the Secretary of Defense determines to be vital to the security of the United States; and (2) are made necessary by changes in the Services’ missions and responsibilities. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to construct family housing units and trailer court facilities, after consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in the locations designated by this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds needed to carry out the provisions of this Act. Reserve Forces Facilities Authorization Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish or develop additional facilities for the Reserve Forces of the Navy, Marine Corps, Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve. Latest action (1973-05-08): Referred to Senate Committee on Commerce.
Why this matters
Annual military construction authorizations are the recurring vehicle through which Congress funds base infrastructure, family housing, and Reserve facilities — a routine but foundational element of defense fiscal policy. Historical examples like this 1973 bill illustrate the long-standing legislative pattern that continues through today’s NDAA and MilCon-VA appropriations cycles, even when individual bills die in committee.