National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006 -- (House of Representatives - May 25, 2005)

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Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from New Hampshire for yielding me this time, and I appreciate his efforts on this important issue.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Bradley amendment to delay the 2005 round of base closings and realignment because of questions involving these decisions, the timing, and also the way it is affecting my State.

The BRAC recommendations released by the Secretary of Defense include the removal of eight C-130 aircraft from the 130th Airlift Wing in Charleston, West Virginia. That means taking all the aircraft out. Do you have an air base without aircraft? I do not believe so. This removal will cost hundreds of jobs in the Kanawha Valley. The loss of the C-130s will strip the 130th of its primary mission, and it will hurt the West Virginia National Guard that responds to natural disasters in our State quite frequently and also inhibits their important mission in training and readiness.

The 130th Airlift Wing has a long reputation as one of the Nation's elite National Guard units. They have served in the first Gulf War, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and are currently in Iraq. They have demonstrated a commitment to service and sacrifice made by thousands of West Virginians and their families.

Despite adding four new units, the 130th is at 104 percent strength. The unit has a retention rate of nearly 97 percent, fifth best in the Nation. The National Guard Association has consistently ranked the 130th as one of the best units in the country. These are not the rankings of a unit that should be realigned.

The Bradley amendment to delay BRAC is the correct approach because the additional time will allow the Department of Defense and the BRAC Commission to gather accurate information about the bases they are closing and realigning.

In West Virginia's case, the Department of Defense makes the incorrect assertion that Yeager Airport is only large enough for eight C-130s, when it can already accommodate 14 C-130s, and they are making accommodations to accommodate up to 26 C-130s.

I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting the Bradley amendment to allow a comprehensive look at our defense needs prior to the closing of these important facilities.

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