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Recommendation Made Without All the Facts, Capito Says

Date: May 26, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Defense Military Personnel


Recommendation Made Without All the Facts, Capito Says
5/26/2005

Wants process delayed to ensure BRAC commission can gather information

WASHINGTON, DC (5/26) Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), a strong advocate for delaying the BRAC process until accurate information about the bases recommended for closing or realignment can be gathered, has pledged her support for legislation postponing the 2005 BRAC round. Eight C-130 aircraft based at Yeager Field in Charleston, WV have been recommended by the Secretary of Defense to be moved to North Carolina.

"Stripping West Virginia of its aircraft strips us of our airbase," noted Capito "In West Virginia's case, the Department of Defense has made an incorrect assertion that Yeager Airport is only large enough for eight C-130 aircraft. Yeager can already accommodate fourteen planes with the potential to expand the facility to accommodate twenty-six."

Capito added, "Delaying 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 closing and realigning."

"The 130th Airlift Wing has a strong reputation as one of our nation's elite National Guard units. Members of the 130th Airlift Wing were the first Guard unit to do a night vision goggle landing when they delivered U.S. Commandos to the front line of the War on Terror during Operation Iraqi Freedom. They have served in the first Gulf War, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. They have demonstrated the commitment to service and sacrifice made by thousands of West Virginians and their families. The unit has a retention rate of nearly 97%, fifth best in the nation. And the National Guard Association has consistently ranked the 130th Airlift Wing as one of the best units in the country. These are not the rankings of a unit that should be realigned."

Capito is a co-sponsor of H.R. 2427, legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth (D-SD) that would postpone the 2005 round of defense base closure and realignments. Capito also supported an unsuccessful effort by U.S. Representative Jeb Bradley (R-NH) to amend a similar provision to the Defense Authorization Bill.

http://capito.house.gov/press_office/detail-page.aspx?id=78&whichone=pr

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