Durbin Statement Regarding Illinois Attorney Gerneral's Action to Protect Springfield's Air National Guard Base

DURBIN STATEMENT REGARDING ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL'S ACTION TO PROTECT SPRINGFIELD'S AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today made the following statement regarding Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's filing of a temporary restraining order against the U.S. Department of Defense and the Defense Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission to prevent the transfer of F-16 aircraft from the 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield:

"When the BRAC Commission upheld the Department of Defense's recommendation to move the 183rd Fighter Wing's F-16s to Indiana, they clearly ignored the law requiring military value to be the number one criterion for making such transfers."

"More importantly, the Department of Defense overstepped their authority by removing the jets and realigning the National Guard base without the permission of the Governor - the commander-in-chief of the Illinois National Guard."

"I strongly support Attorney General Madigan's request for a temporary restraining order to halt the short-sighted and legally questionable actions of the BRAC Commission. I believe the federal lawsuit she filed earlier this year to block this move should receive expedited consideration."

"I will continue to work with Attorney General Madigan, Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois Congressional delegation to help keep the 183rd Fighter Wing flying in Springfield."

http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=245180&&