Frank Lucas: “I know what an emotional issue this is, for I have been very involved in the BRAC process. I, too, had base on the…”

“I know what an emotional issue this is, for I have been very involved in the BRAC process. I, too, had base on the closure list, Vance Air Force Base in Enid, OK. And many of my constituents work for Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. I was fortunate, my bases are not slated for closure, but I remember the stress I felt when commissioners visited the base and when I was waiting for the final closure list. None of us want to lose something so valuable as a base in our district. That is why the 101st Congress created BRAC. They knew that base closures would best be handled by an unbiased, nonpartisan group. They knew that when politics are involved, base worthiness and cost-effectiveness fall by the wayside, as was demonstrated by the President earlier this year. It would be nearly impossible for Congress and the President to decide objectively which bases to close. Sure the BRAC process has flaws, but it has worked well thus far. I do not think any of us can argue that this process was not fair and open. We each had ample opportunity to participate and to validate the information used. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to finish this process and vote ``no'' on the resolution of disapproval.”