Appropriators Vote to Keep Walter Reed Open

House Committee's Action Could Reverse Base Closing Scheduled for 2011

The House Appropriations Committee unanimously approved a measure yesterday that bars the closure of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, an action supporters say will reverse plans to shut the hospital in 2011.

The provision, attached to a bill with additional funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, blocks the use of any federal money to close Walter Reed.

Keeping open a base that has been chosen for closure by the Defense Department's Base Realignment and Closure Commission would be unprecedented. The system creating an independent commission to make such decisions was adopted by Congress to prevent political interference with base closures. But recent disclosures of serious problems with the long-term care of wounded soldiers at Walter Reed have sparked calls in Congress and elsewhere to reverse the decision. Senior Army officials also suggested that the decision be reconsidered.

"This is a done deal," Rep. James P. Moran Jr. (D-Va.), a committee member, said after the hearing. "Walter Reed will stay open."

"I can say without fear of contradiction it's not going to close," said Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.).