Representative John Carter (TX-31) passed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to give military recycling centers the authority to accept quality recyclable goods from local communities and allow the profits from the sale of these materials to go to the Soldier Morale, Welfare & Recreation account. Rep. Carter offered the amendment with Representatives Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Richard Hudson (D-NC), Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), and Steve Womack (R-AK).

“Every major military installation in the United States has recycling centers that operate with the goal of reducing the environmental impact of military training and day-to-day operations, but many of the local communities surrounding these installations cannot undertake the overhead costs associated with running their own recycling centers,” the Representatives said. “With passage of this amendment, bases would be allowed to accept recyclable materials from their local communities and use the profits to improve the installation. It truly is a win-win-win for the military community, local neighbors, and the environment.”

The Members also passed an amendment to increase the rollover amount allowed from profits gained from the recycling programs. Under current law, two million dollars can rollover each fiscal year. The Representatives’ amendment will increase that amount to ten million dollars. 

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Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus and Ranking Member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Appropriations.