Washington, D.C. — Congressman Tim Murphy introduced legislation today to expressly block the Air Force from relocating the seven C-130 aircraft at the 911th Airlift Wing. His bill effectively prevents the Pentagon from closing the base. A face-to-face meeting with Air Force officials, which was brokered by Murphy, is scheduled for the Pennsylvania delegation this Thursday at 1PM to discuss the 911th.

“Congressional intervention is needed to stop the Air Force from making a hasty and unwise decision. The 911th is one of the most cost-effective bases in our military. I’m putting down a legislative marker that stops the closure and ensures there’s a deliberate review of the Air Force realignment,” said Rep. Tim Murphy.

“The Air Force may not be in compliance with existing law that requires congressional approval to close any base with more than 300 civilian personnel,” said Murphy.
 
Original cosponsors of the legislation include Reps. Jason Altmire (PA-4), Mike Doyle (PA-14) and Mark Critz (PA-12). A .pdf of the legislation is posted at: http://murphy.house.gov/uploads/Scan%20-%20Bill%20Text.pdf

Here is the text of the legislation:

SECTION 1. PROHIBITION ON RELOCATION OF C-130 AIRCRAFT.

The Secretary of the Air Force—

(1) may not plan or execute the permanent relocation of any C-130 aircraft assigned to Pittsburgh IAP Air Reserve Station as of the date of the enactment of this Act; and

(2) shall ensure that the number of C-130 aircraft assigned to Pittsburgh IAP Air Reserve Station as of September 30, 2012, equals or exceeds the number of C-130 aircraft assigned to Pittsburgh IAP Air Reserve Station as of October 1, 2011.