Strong Provision to Alleviate Redstone Arsenal Gate Bottlenecks Advances

WASHINGTON –Representative Dale W. Strong’s provision (AL-05) to alleviate Redstone Arsenal Gate bottlenecks advanced in the House as part of S. 1071, the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.  
 
“This provision will ensure the thousands of employees, contractors, and service members who travel through these gates will have secure and efficient access as Redstone’s mission continues to expand,” said Rep. Dale Strong.  

The provision will grant the Department of War greater flexibility to use short-term contracts for security guard and firefighter personnel, ensuring base gates and emergency services remain fully staffed when personnel gaps arise.  

Without a large population of junior enlisted personnel to perform security guard functions when needed, Redstone has faced gate closures and traffic delays.  

“By modernizing this outdated law, installations facing security guard or firefighter shortages will have the authority they need to bring in contracted personnel, keep operations smooth, and stay focused on their mission,” said Strong. 

S. 1071 now awaits passage by the U.S. Senate before going to the President’s desk. 

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