Legislation that would keep the U.S. Department of Defense from withdrawing support for the National Boy Scout Jamboree, scheduled to be held in July in Fayette County, is now pending on Capitol Hill.
First District Congressman David McKinley, a Republican, introduced that bill on Wednesday.
For the first time, the new Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve will be the host site for the National Boy Scout Jamboree which will run from July 15th through July 24th.
The West Virginia National Guard has been tapped to provide security and other logistical support for the event that could draw 85,000 people.
Guard officials, though, say they’re being forced to look for ways to reduce costs because of the sequestration that started to take effect on March 1st, so Jamboree assistance may have to be eliminated.
“It’s important to protect the Jamboree from misguided cuts that would damage a 30 year relationship between the National Guard and the Jamboree. The Department of Defense should keep its promise, and the bill I’ve introduced will ensure that,” Congressman McKinley said in a statement.
“Just like canceling White House tours, withdrawing support for the Boy Scout Jamboree is intended to make a political point. These cuts don’t need to happen.”