[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 64 (Monday, May 16, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H3293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      ELLSWORTH BRAC ANNOUNCEMENT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from South Dakota (Ms. Herseth) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. HERSETH. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to express my profound 
disappointment and flat disagreement with the Department of Defense's 
recommendation to close Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota as a 
part of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission. This 
recommendation is as misguided as they come.
  While the BRAC process is necessary to ensure that our Armed Forces 
can efficiently and adequately serve our military needs at home and 
abroad into the 21st century, this decision does not accurately reflect 
the value of Ellsworth to that cause.
  As Lead Wing for the Aerospace Expeditionary Force, the 28th Bomb 
Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base played a decisive role in Operation 
Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. As they did in Kosovo and 
Afghanistan, the B-1 and her crews from Ellsworth Air Force Base 
performed superbly. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, B-1s played a vital 
role in helping liberate Iraq by dropping more than half the satellite-
guided munitions. Ellsworth once again demonstrated that it is the 
backbone of America's bomber fleet and the base has fulfilled its 
missions admirably. This is a modern, well-equipped installation that 
has served our country for decades and is prepared to serve for decades 
to come. Ellsworth has substantially upgraded its infrastructure since 
the last round of base closures, which will allow Ellsworth to accept 
new missions and continue to grow. Rather than closing, Ellsworth is 
well situated to receive additional assignments.
  In addition, Ellsworth's geographic and strategic strengths are many. 
Located in western South Dakota, Ellsworth is strategically positioned 
and is not threatened by urban encroachment or crowded air space, major 
factors that have not been given appropriate weight by the Department 
of Defense. In addition, the base is close to bomber training 
facilities in the region.
  I am also concerned the Secretary of Defense did not adequately 
consider the benefits of locating military bases in rural regions. A 
disproportionate number of bases recommended for closure realignment 
resulting in a disproportionate number of lost jobs are in rural States 
such as Alaska, Maine, North Dakota, and South Dakota. This oversight 
is part and parcel of a continued disregard for not only the needs of 
rural America but the unique value and strengths rural America offers 
to our country as a whole.
  Additionally, commencing a round of base closures during a time of 
war is questionable strategy and could be harmful to our national 
security. The current round of domestic base closures should wait until 
after the Department of Defense completes its plans to bring troops 
back to the United States from overseas bases. I am also concerned 
about the risks associated with consolidating all of our B-1 bombers in 
a single location.
  Furthermore, I am concerned that we are making base closure decisions 
prior to the Quadrennial Defense Review for 2005. The Quadrennial 
Defense Review analyzes force structure, modernization plans, military 
infrastructure, and the defense budget to help establish a roadmap for 
defense programs. It cannot be ignored before assessing base 
realignments and closures.
  Finally, the economic impact of closing Ellsworth Air Force Base on 
South Dakota would be dramatic. Our State would lose our second largest 
employer and an estimated $278 million a year. The loss of nearly 4,000 
jobs would set South Dakota almost a year back in statewide job growth.
  I have invited the chairman of the BRAC Commission, Anthony Principi, 
and other members of the commission to visit Ellsworth Air Force Base 
and hold one of their regional field hearings in Rapid City, home to 
Ellsworth. A visit to Ellsworth will allow the commission the 
opportunity to see what those of us from South Dakota already know: the 
B-1 bomber and Ellsworth Air Force Base are irreplaceable and crucial 
to our national security.
  As the BRAC Commission moves forward and reviews the Department of 
Defense's recommendations, I am confident the BRAC Commission will 
realize the Department of Defense deviated substantially from their 
established base closure criteria when recommending Ellsworth for 
closure and will support removing it from the list.

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