[CPEO-IRF] Congress and the BRAC process

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

[Mathematics will probably work against any Congressional efforts to 
legislate a halt to the current base closure process. Today, opposition 
is widespread because most bases are "on the chopping block." However, 
once the list is released, many Representatives and a number of Senators 
will breathe a sigh of relief. Those whose districts and state are 
impacted will intensify their opposition, but in general their relieved 
colleagues will welcome the "rationality" of the process. I do expect, 
however, that those who are spared will back those who are hit in 
supporting base transfer strategies designed to make up for the economic 
losses associated with closure. - LS]



Lawmakers may seek to stall base closure process

By Megan Scully, Congress Daily
Government Executive
May 3, 2005

As the Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission gets down to work 
Tuesday, opponents of the new round of base closings are expected to use 
the fiscal 2006 defense authorization bill to attempt to stall or upset 
the process, according to congressional sources.

Potential tactics to thwart the commission include repealing the section 
of law that authorizes the 2005 base-closing round. Lawmakers also could 
use the authorization bill to change or delay any base-closing steps 
along the way, although President Bush has threatened to veto past 
authorization bills to try to prevent that approach.

"It may be difficult at this point to amend the BRAC process," said a 
spokeswoman for House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee Chairman 
Joel Hefley, R-Colo. In addition to a possible veto, she said, 
"Historically, the Senate has been supportive of BRAC."

...

For the entire article, see
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0505/050305cdam1.htm

--
Lenny Siegel
Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
c/o PSC, 278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
http://www.cpeo.org


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