Mike Levin: “These requirements were written by Members and staff who are neutral in the fight between the closed bases and the…”

“These requirements were written by Members and staff who are neutral in the fight between the closed bases and the remaining air logistic centers. Our sole objective was to ensure a fair competition, and each of these requirements was included for that purpose. We had complaints from both sides of the issue from the Congress, from the administration, about every single proposal that was put on the table. It went on for months. But the bottom line is that sooner or later those of us who were not involved in this struggle had to reach a conclusion as to what would be a fair and just competition. We believe we achieved that, and that the Defense Department can make it work to achieve a fair and open competition. I say that after many consultations between my staff and myself and the Defense Department. I support this compromise because I believe it will lead to a fair and open competition that is the only answer to this dispute. Keeping this dispute going and going and going is not going to resolve this dispute. We learned that from months of fruitless effort.”