Media Center

Today U.S. Representative David Scott (GA-13) continued his campaign to reverse the Defense Department’s recommendation to close Fort Gillem in Clayton County during the BRAC Regional hearing in Atlanta. Citing the severe losses our military, national security and area region would sustain with the base’s closure, Scott provided strong testimony in defense of Ft. Gillem’s unique and exceptional military value for our defense and national security. “We dare not make the mistake of closing Fort Gillem in this post-9/11 world,” said Scott. “BRAC recommendations to close Ft. Gillem were based largely on outdated and flawed 1993 Defense Department estimates well before the United States suffered wrenching terrorist attacks on its own soil and subsequently engaged in war operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Those estimates significantly overestimated the savings the Pentagon would gain if Ft. Gillem closes and underestimated the value of the base’s proximity to the world’s busiest airport, role in the Army Reserves and National Guard’s recruitment efforts, and function to coordinate homeland security for the southeast region. “ The hearing provided federal, state and local officials an opportunity to directly address four BRAC commissioners including Honorable Philip Coyle, Honorable Samuel K. Skinner, Honorable James H. Bilbray, and Admiral Harold W. Gehman, Jr. (U.S. Navy, Ret). The commissioners heard several arguments in support of Ft. Gillem, including statements by Governor Sonny Perdue, Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, and BG Phil Browning (Ret.), Director of Georgia’s Military Affairs Coordinating Committee. “With today’s hearing, supporters of Ft. Gillem including local citizens, elected officials, and members of the business community made a strong showing before the BRAC commission by packing the hearing room to capacity. I am encouraged by the tremendous community support that was shown for Ft. Gillem today and have worked inning by inning during this BRAC process to score points at each opportunity with the BRAC commission. The ball’s now in their court and I’m hopeful that at the end of the game Ft. Gillem will be kept open.” ###

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Article: Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Base Backers Make Case July 1, 2005 Text of Congressman Scott's Opening Remarks at BRAC Regional Hearing VIDEO: June 30 -Congressman Scott and Congressman John Lewis Fight Ft. Gillem and Fort McPherson Base Closings at BRAC Regional Hearing, held at Georgia Tech Conference Center (streaming footage, courtesy of Georgia Public Broadcasting) VIDEO: June 30 - Statewide Overview of Recommended Military Base Closings from BRAC Regional Hearing, held at Georgia Tech Conference Center (streaming footage, courtesy of Georgia Public Broadcasting) VIDEO: June 30 - Closing Remarks from BRAC Regional Hearing at Georgia Tech Conference Center (streaming footage, courtesy of Georgia Public Broadcasting) VIDEO: June 30 - Congressman Scott and State Official Speak at Press Conference Following BRAC Regional Hearing (streaming footage, courtesy of Georgia Public Broadcasting) RELATED ITEMS: Congressman Scott Tours Fort Gillem with BRAC Commissioner Congressman Scott Joins BRAC Commissioner on Tour of Fort McPherson COLUMN: Forts Gillem and McPherson Provide Critical Link for Troops Scott Condemns Base Closings