The compromise National Defense Authorization Act Congress is considering includes extensions on restricting privatizing commissaries under law. The new updates include a line that the DOD “may not take” any action that conflicts with an existing provision that restricts private commissaries, Military Times reported. 

The additional protections against privatizing commissaries comes in response to a DOD memo which calls for prioritizing privatization across all areas, naming commissaries as a specific area to focus on.  

“Congress has consistently rejected efforts to privatize commissary operations, out of concern that no private entity can both profitably operate these facilities and deliver the statutory 23.7% savings required by law,” Reps. Rob Wittman and Jen Kiggans wrote in a letter to DOD. Both Virginia Republicans serve on the Armed Services Committee.  

Air Force photo by Trevor Rhynes