Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, September 14, 1999

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 14, 1999 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 CONTACT: Jill Homan 202/225-3061 Congressman Ehrlich Announces APG Jobs Saved APG Union Lauds Ehrlich 's Support WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. stated, “I am pleased to announce the jobs of hundreds of dedicated Aberdeen Proving Ground civilian employees have been saved.” The Army overturned its initial decision in the Garrison Commercial Activity Study which would have privatized a large number of Garrison civilian jobs. Instead, it has decided to implement a provision known as the government’s Most Efficient Organization which allows APG to keep rather than lose these jobs to an outside business. Congressman Ehrlich stated, “As a staunch supporter of Aberdeen Proving Ground, I have been involved in the process from the onset.” Business Representative for District 12 for International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Henry Scott, explained, “Congressman Bob Ehrlich was the first one behind us and not only stood with us, but even led the way.” Congressman Ehrlich summarized, “Today’s decision reaffirms my view that the purpose of the Commercial Activity Study should be to make government operate more efficiently, but not necessarily privatize jobs. Although pleased, this reversal heightens my concerns regarding the accuracy and fairness of the Commercial Activity Study process. After more than a decade of utilizing the CA process, I believe the Department of Defense must review its successes and limitations. We must be able to attract and retain the highest caliber employees to develop the highest quality equipment for America’s soldiers. I will continue to monitor CA studies at APG and their affect on the workforce. In our efforts to control government spending, we cannot abandon the dedicated government employees at Aberdeen Proving Ground who supply America’s soldiers with the finest equipment available in the world.” ###