Washington, D.C. –Today, Defense Secretary Panetta held a press conference to discuss proposals to the FY2013 Defense Budget, which included a request for military base closures. Congressman Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek) released the following statement regarding those proposals:

“I look forward to receiving more details from the Defense Department on its proposed FY2013 budget, specifically with regard to any potential Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) series as it directly affects our region,” said Congressman Austria. “As a member of the House Appropriations Military Construction (MILCON) Subcommittee I intend to work very closely with the Defense Department to strongly advocate for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) and the Springfield Air National Guard Base to assess the impact of BRAC closures on our region.”

To implement any military base closures or consolidations, the Defense Department needs legislation from Congress to establish a bipartisan commission, known as BRAC that will review military bases and make closure recommendations. The last BRAC rounds took place in 2005.

Congressman Austria is the only member of the Ohio Delegation who sits on the House Appropriations MILCON Subcommittee. The MILCON Subcommittee is responsible for the funding of all BRAC related activities.

“Wright-Patterson, the largest single-site employer in the state, remains critical to the Air Force and to the economic success of our region. While the Air Force and other areas of our military services are faced with budget considerations, any reductions must be done in a fiscally responsible manner that continues to ensure our strong national defense,” concluded Congressman Austria.

Along with WPAFB, other military facilities located in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District include the Springfield Air National Guard Base, the Air and Army National Guard Bases and the Navy Reserve Center at Rickenbacker International Airport, and Defense Supply Center Columbus.

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