Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Chip Cravaack (MN) testified in the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) in  support  for the Duluth 148^th Fighter Wing’s 24-hour alert mission relative to Department of Defense (DOD) sequestration efforts.

Specifically, Rep. Cravaack offered his support for draft language which would direct the Secretary of Defense to maintain the nation's existing eighteen Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) sites until the Secretary of Defense submits a report that shows the cost-benefit analysis and risk-based assessment of how future ACA changes would affect the DOD budget and force structure.

Previously, Rep. Cravaack met with General Chuck Jacoby, Jr., Commander, NORAD and USNORTHCOM, in his Washington office to express concern that the removal of Duluth’s 24-hour alert mission would leave the northern border between Madison, WI and Portland, OR more vulnerable to attack, as well as concern for the impact such a decision would have on the Duluth community.  Read more here.

Rep. Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.

###