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Washington, DC— Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (Md.-07), a member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Readiness, released the following statement in response to the Subcommittee’s hearing today regarding the implementation of the 2005 Department of Defense Base Re-alignment and Closure (BRAC) decision:
“Today’s Military Readiness Subcommittee hearing was important because it offered the opportunity to fully examine the BRAC process and ensure that the implementation of the 2005 BRAC decision—including the move of Fort Monmouth to Aberdeen Proving Ground—is being carried out in the most effective and efficient manner. It also offered an important opportunity for all parties involved to share their concerns or reassurances about the base closures and realignments resulting from this important decision.
“There is no doubt that Maryland will benefit tremendously from the decision to move Fort Monmouth to Aberdeen Proving Ground. This move will bring us tens of thousands of new jobs and increase revenue for our local businesses. Furthermore, the evidence has shown that the cost savings of this realignment will ultimately outweigh the expenses.
“What is more important, however—and what was strikingly clear in today’s hearing—is that this decision is about far more than costs and savings. This is about providing the foundation to create an environment that is conducive to maximizing military value and creating synergy and efficiency within the Department of Defense, two tasks that are critical for us to adequately support our troops on the ground and protect our nation.
“I have never doubted the decision of the BRAC Commission when it comes to achieving these important goals. Following the testimony of DOD Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Installations and Environment Philip Grone reaffirming that the Fort Monmouth move is essential to this end, I am further assured that the 2005 BRAC decision was—and continues to be—the right decision.
“From the beginning, I have believed in the ability of our state and its leaders to adequately sustain the move from Fort Monmouth. Lt. Governor Brown substantiated those beliefs today through his testimony about the State’s BRAC Action Plan to accommodate the population increase resulting from the BRAC decision through fortifying our education and transportation systems and infrastructure and streamlining occupational licensing requirements.”
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