Introduction Of A Bill That Prohibits The Closure Of The Commissary And Exchange Programs At Naval Air Station Brunswick

Floor Speech

* Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to be introducing a bill that prohibits the closure of the commissary and exchange programs at Naval Air Station Brunswick in my home State of Maine.

* Unfortunately, before I was a Member of Congress, Naval Air Station Brunswick was selected for closure during the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process. We are saddened to see the base close and so many active duty members, who have made Maine their home transfer to Jacksonville, Florida. However, a significant active duty population will remain whose mission still requires them to be stationed in the midcoast area. These units include Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, which is a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command located in Bath, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines located in Topsham, and units of the Maine Army National Guard that will soon construct a joint reserve center at Naval Air Station Brunswick. Additionally, there are thousands of military retirees who depend on this fundamental part of their pay and benefits package.

* Military families count on the commissary and exchange programs to deliver costs savings. Access to these programs is not a fringe benefit, but a critical part of the pay package we have promised the men and women who serve.

* The fact that Brunswick has been selected for closure is no excuse for these men and women to go without the same programs their counterparts across the globe depend on. Many of the retirees in the midcoast Maine area relocated there after their service specifically for the commissary and exchange programs. We must honor the promises that we made to these individuals, and not abandon them now during these difficult economic times.

* I look forward to working with my colleagues in the coming weeks to pass this important legislation in the House.

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