Pelosi Statement on Recommendations to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission
Pelosi Statement on Recommendations to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission
Friday, May 13, 2005
Contact: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the Secretary's Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) recommendations:
"The Secretary has proposed bases for closure and realignment, the communities can challenge it, and the BRAC Commission will make its recommendations to the President.
"Now, the affected bases and communities must show the BRAC Commission how they fit into a strategic plan for defending our country, and how the costs of the Secretary's proposal outweigh any benefit. The BRAC commissioners have a responsibility to ensure that a full, fair, and impartial review is given to each of the bases on the Secretary's list.
"Before making its recommendations to the President, the Commission must weigh the Secretary's proposal against the military value of every base and consider the economic and environmental implications of closure or realignment.
"The security of our country in a time of rapidly changing challenges and threats demands that great care be taken before any military installation is recommended for closure or significant changes in operation."