The Army is developing a new barracks upgrade plan after a recent Government Accountability Office report found poor living conditions in housing facilities across DOD, Military.com reported, citing internal documents it has viewed.

The plan would spend $4 billion on barracks construction and renovations, but that funding would have to be authorized by Congress. The draft plan also commits to spending 100% of the funding Congress authorizes for barracks sustainment on housing. Currently, the Army is spending about 15% of the authorized funding on other projects, the report said.

Military.com asked Paul Farnan, the principal deputy assistant Army secretary for installations, energy and environment, why barracks weren’t already being fully funded.

“We only have so many dollars,” Farnan said. “In the past, installations were under-invested in, and that’s how we got ourselves into this hole.”

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said Thursday he would block any Army civilian nominations and promotions until privatized housing conditions are improved at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Stars and Stripes reported.

“The soldiers and families at Fort Leonard Wood deserve better, and it is your responsibility to deliver for them,” he said in a letter to Army Secretary Christine Wormuth, saying the Army missed its timeline for new housing.

Army photo by Jason Ragucci