U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) sent a letter on Friday to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Army Secretary Christine Wormuth in which he expressed his disappointment regarding the continued cancellation of briefings scheduled to discuss the reported reprogramming of funds away from the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) at Fort Novosel in Enterprise.
In his letter, Moore expressed his frustration with the Department of Defense (DOD) and how, as the congressman for Fort Novosel, he must be able to answer the constituents' questions flooding his office.
He said that members of Congress must receive timely and accurate information to make informed decisions, especially those that could impact national security and the local economy. However, he cannot do that because the DOD refuses to provide the necessary information.
Moore said, "As the Member of Congress representing Fort Novosel, it is my Constitutional duty to ensure the transparency and accountability of federal funding and provide answers to my constituents."
"Fort Novosel plays a critical role in our national security by training most of the Army's aviators and provides thousands of jobs for our local community. Hundreds of constituents have reached out in concern, and it is unacceptable that they have waited weeks to get answers from the Army about Fort Novosel's funding," he added.
Moore cited press reports and leaked emails about a potential reprogramming designed to provide aid for Ukraine and other foreign countries. He called these gravely concerning.
Moore opposed all Ukraine aid and made it a significant part of his successful primary challenge of U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile).
Moore said he and his staff have been in contact seeking answers from their Army liaison since this news broke two weeks ago.
According to Moore, the Army and DOD have previously agreed to brief the Alabama delegation on the issue, but those briefings have been canceled on two separate occasions.
Moore ended the letter by demanding briefings on the issue, as Fort Novosel provides thousands of jobs for the area, plays a major role in national security, and any major decision regarding it affects thousands of families' lives.
Moore concluded, "My constituents, many of whom make up Fort Novosel's active-duty personnel and support staff, have the right to know the truth. To that end, we hereby demand an explanation for the reasons behind the cancellations of two separate briefings, but also a formal briefing with DASA-BU, HQDA 3/5/7, OSD, and any additional elements that have insight into this issue."
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