U.S. House passes defense spending bill, includes money to contract Redstone Arsenal gate security guards

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WHNT) — The National Defense Authorization Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday and it includes a provision to address some of Redstone Arsenal’s ongoing gate issues, according to Representative Dale Strong’s office.

In a release, Strong announced that a provision included in the Act is designed to allow Redstone Arsenal to contract security gate members. His office said this language proposed would ensure Redstone Arsenal is able to maintain secure, efficient access.

“I thank Chairman Rogers for including this provision to allow military installations – like Redstone – to contract personnel for security guard functions, ensuring installation access is secure and seamless for our personnel,” Strong said.

Strong’s office added that the NDAA authorizes policy and appropriations for the Department of Defense, nuclear weapons programs within the Department of Energy, and other defense-related activities.

It passed the House by a vote of 231 to 196, and it will now head to the Senate for consideration.

In June, Redstone Arsenal officials announced that Gate 8 would be closed during the week in order to “maintain security and efficiency with current staffing levels.”

The decision follows a recent federal government reorganization that resulted in a 15% reduction in authorized security personnel.

“We understand this change may cause some delays, and we appreciate everyone’s patience. We encourage commuters to leave a little earlier for work. Our security personnel are dedicated to ensuring safe and efficient access to the installation, and they are doing their best to manage the situation with the resources we have available,” Brian Reinwald, Chief of the Protection Division, said.

Motorists are still be able to access Gate 8 during the weekends, which will be operational from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Gate 9 remains open 24/7. Both gates are also open on federal holidays.

Then, in August, officials announced that Gate 3 would operate on adjusted hours starting September 2. The gate would close to inbound and outbound traffic starting at 1 p.m. daily to accommodate reductions in resources and manning.

“It is difficult to predict what our future manning levels will be. Currently, there are no plans to limit hours at any of the other gates. However, this may change based on a multitude of factors (Manning levels, Threat, Command guidance),” the Garrison at Redstone Arsenal told News 19.

When the adjusted hours were announced for Gate 3, Strong provided the following statement to News 19:

“Every day, nearly 50,000 men and women come to work on Redstone Arsenal. Unlike other military bases and installations, Redstone does not have a large population of junior enlisted personnel to help fill the gaps with gate security positions. I have been tracking this situation closely and will continue to work to identify and implement solutions to ensure Redstone is able to keep up with the rapid growth of our community.”
Rep. Dale Strong