Statement of Senator Durbin Regarding Military Base Realignment and Closures

Statement

STATEMENT OF SENATOR DURBIN REGARDING MILITARY BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURES

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today made the following statement regarding the recommendations of the Defense Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission:

"I applaud Congressman LaHood for his resolution to defeat the adoption of the BRAC report. I am disappointed the House supported the BRAC recommendations. The inconsistencies, contradictions and outright violations of the BRAC criteria contained in the current report do not advance our national defense and homeland security, and I cannot in good faith support these recommendations."

"The Springfield Air National Guard Base is critical to our ongoing military preparedness and homeland security, and I strongly support Governor Blagojevich and Attorney General Madigan's plan to file suit against the Defense Department to prevent any unlawful action to realign our state's National Guard bases. Federal law clearly states that the consent of the governor is necessary before any proposal to close or realign National Guard bases moves forward. I am disappointed by this blatant disregard for that necessary convention. I look forward to working with my colleagues to preserve the 183rd Air National Guard Fighter Wing in Springfield through all available legal measures."

"Rock Island Arsenal is our nation's only remaining Army foundry and metal manufacturing facility. When American soldiers began facing improvised explosive devices on the roads of Iraq, private industry could not keep up with the speed and innovation needed to produce protective armor; Rock Island did, producing vital steel armor kits for Humvees and other vehicles. I am concerned that any large-scale personnel and equipment movement affecting the Arsenal will cause a disruption in the production of these life saving armor kits, a disruption that our troops and our country cannot afford."

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