Saxby Chambliss: “I believe that the Members of the House recognize the importance of supporting and preserving the integrity of the BRAC…”

“I believe that the Members of the House recognize the importance of supporting and preserving the integrity of the BRAC process. In it, Congress has created the most politically neutral means possible of reducing our military's excessive infrastructure. Although we may not agree with individual decisions, we must support the process. With respect to the process, however, I would like to address a situation that has arisen from the recommendations of this most recent Commission. Specifically, I refer to the President's plans for the future of our air logistics depot structure. As my colleagues are aware, the Commission determined the Air Force maintains excess capacity in its air depots. As a result, commissioners voted to close two depots based on the objective base closure criteria. As with all individual base closure decisions before, the two depots slated for closure would be phased out over a 5-year period. This would solve the two primary problems the BRAC was created to eliminate: excess capacity and infrastructure. Now, Mr. Speaker, the Pentagon has come to inform Congress that under direction of this administration and the President, another plan is in the works for the two air force depots to be closed. Mr. Speaker, it seems the President has concluded that the loss of over 10,000 jobs in each of the very electoral-vote-rich States of California and Texas demands special attention.”