For Release: December 12, 2001
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

HOUSE PASSES DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION, BUSH PROPOSAL FOR BRAC ROUND IN 2003 REJECTED

Washington - The House of Representatives today approved the Defense Authorization bill for Fiscal Year 2002. The legislation does call for a new round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), but not until the year 2005. U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) was pleased that Congress rejected President Bush's proposal to conduct the next BRAC round in 2003. Language was also included in the bill to require that the economic impact of a closure on the surrounding community must be considered. In addition, a super-majority (seven of nine commissioners) will be required to add bases to the original list issued by the Secretary of Defense.

"I have said repeatedly that I did not believe there would be another BRAC round before the next presidential election, and I am pleased that we were able to postpone the next BRAC round until 2005," said Costello. "While no Member of Congress can guarantee that a base is safe, I believe that Scott Air Force Base (AFB) enters this process in a very strong position. I will again lead the effort to ensure that Scott remains an integral part of our national defense structure and our region."

Costello emphasized that hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in Scott AFB in recent years, including new family housing, day care centers, a school and the addition of the 126th Air Refueling Wing and the 1,100 jobs connected with it. It is estimated that Scott AFB contributes $2.1 billion annually to the regional economy.

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