Washington, DC  -  “Recently I voted, again, to stop the harmful drive to close our country’s military bases. In the post-9/11 era, I simply find it inconceivable some still consider downsizing the military.

 “We live in a far different world from when the base closure effort was conceived. Then, the United States had very little threat of domestic terrorism and fewer openly hostile rogue states with chemical, nuclear, or biological weapons.

 “But in 2003, we face growing troop commitments overseas, and our brave men and women in uniform need every bit of support we can provide them. I will continue to do whatever it takes, including voting against the House leadership and President Bush if necessary, to ensure the Third District’s military facilities remain strong and vital for years to come.”