Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) sent a report today to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld outlining the military value of Washington state military installations. Larsen worked with the Washington State Congressional Delegation to develop the report. The state’s U.S. Senators and all nine members of the delegation in the House of Representatives signed onto the report to the Pentagon. On Monday Larsen will hand deliver a copy of the report to Pentagon officials when he joins Governor Christine Gregoire for meetings there to discuss the state’s military value and the Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) Process.

“Since the Defense Department has made military value the number one criteria it looks at during BRAC, the delegation felt that it was important to release this report which focuses specifically on military value,” Larsen said.

“This report allows the Washington State Congressional Delegation to support with one voice our state’s military bases and promote their military value,” Larsen said.  

He continued, “This military value report will help our communities aggressively make the case to the Pentagon that Washington state’s military bases stand at the forefront of our nation's defense and are uniquely suited to become a model for our military in the future.”

The letter accompanying the report states:

“This paper was compiled by our offices and should serve as our joint message of support for the United States military and for those who serve in our home state.”

It continues: “Washington state soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are our national treasure. They are serving bravely in Iraq and Afghanistan and have recently played a central role with tsunami relief in the South Pacific. We are proud of those who serve, and we are proud of the unique network of capable installations that Washington state houses for those who serve.”

Delegation members signing the letter included: U.S. Senator Patty Murray; U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell; U.S. Reps. Norm Dicks (WA-06), Jim McDermott (WA-07), Doc Hastings (WA-04), Jay Inslee (WA-01), Adam Smith (WA-09), Brian Baird (WA-03), Cathy McMorris (WA-05), and Dave Reichert (WA-08).

Larsen represents Washington state’s 2nd Congressional District. Larsen serves on the House Armed Services Committee and has worked at home and in Congress to protect Washington state bases throughout the BRAC process.