Dyess Air Base Access Infrastructure Design Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4833
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-01: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T22:51:45Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Dyess Air Base Access Infrastructure Design Act" (H.R. 4833) aims to mandate the Secretary of the Air Force to initiate planning and design for infrastructure upgrades at two entry points (gates) at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas, enhancing access and operational efficiency without authorizing full construction funding.
Key Provisions
- Tye Gate Improvements:
- Requires planning and design for an infrastructure project costing up to $17,000,000 total.
- Planning and design costs limited to no more than 7% of the total project amount.
- Designs must use standard Air Force gate templates and prioritize minimal disruptions from utilities (like water or power lines), reduced conflicts with existing structures, and straightforward construction phases.
- Arnold Gate Improvements:
- Requires planning and design for an infrastructure project costing up to $12,065,000 total.
- Planning and design costs limited to no more than 8% of the total project amount.
- Designs must address on-site crowding, multiple utility connections, step-by-step construction, and complex traffic management.
- Funding Source:
- All activities must use existing funds allocated to the Department of the Air Force for military construction planning and design; no new appropriations are authorized.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a specific congressional mandate for the Air Force to prioritize and execute planning and design for these two gates at Dyess Air Force Base, which were not previously required under current military construction statutes.
- Establishes cost caps and design guidelines tailored to each gate, potentially streamlining future military base upgrade processes by incorporating efficiency standards like standard templates and phased approaches.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Air Force will need to allocate existing resources to these designs, potentially delaying other planning activities but improving base infrastructure for better security and traffic flow.
- Citizens: Local communities near Dyess Air Force Base in Texas may see indirect benefits from enhanced gate access, reducing congestion for base personnel, visitors, and nearby residents; no direct impacts on broader U.S. citizens.
- International Relations: None apparent, as this is a domestic military base infrastructure initiative with no foreign policy elements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of the Air Force and Secretary of the Air Force: Directly responsible for implementation and resource allocation.
- Dyess Air Force Base Personnel and Operations: Benefits from potential improvements in gate efficiency, supporting daily missions and security.
- Local Texas Communities and Governments: Could gain from reduced traffic issues and economic boosts tied to base functionality (e.g., via Congressman Arrington's district).
- Congressional Committees: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services, influencing oversight of military construction budgets.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces Congress's constitutional authority (Article I, Section 8) to regulate military funding and infrastructure, using existing appropriations to avoid new spending debates; complies with military construction laws by limiting scope to planning without full project approval.
- Constitutional: No conflicts, as it aligns with federal spending powers and does not infringe on state rights, given the base's federal status.
- Political: Supports military readiness in a key Texas district, potentially advancing bipartisan defense priorities; as an introduced bill (not yet law), it highlights localized advocacy for base maintenance amid broader defense budget constraints.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-01: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2025-08-01: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-01: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Dyess Air Base Access Infrastructure Design Act — issued 2025-08-01 — PDF (3 pages)