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Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13) made a final push to keep Forts Gillem and McPherson open by voting in support of a joint House resolution to reject the president's approval of the 2005 round of base realignments and closures. Congressman Scott cosponsored the measure, H.J. Res. 65, which disapproves the recommendations of the Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) as submitted by the president to Congress on September 15, 2005. H.J. Res. 65 failed to pass in the House today by a vote of 85 - 324. “Unfortunately, this round of base closings and realignments has failed to accomplish the military goals of shedding excess operations and facilities without seriously weakening our national security and homeland defense,” Congressman Scott said. “I strongly oppose the president’s recommendations to close Ft. Gillem and Fort McPherson, and I have tried to make a strong case in their defense at every opportunity available to me, including directly addressing members of the BRAC Commission and urging President Bush to consider their unmatched military value and unique strategic readiness for homeland defense.” Under the first four BRAC rounds through 2001, approximately 20% of the Pentagon's capacity that existed in 1988 had been eliminated, producing an immediate net savings of approximately $17.7 billion and an additional $7 billion annually since 2001. The current recommendations involve a greater degree of reorganizing and sharing underused facilities, rather than outright closures. Overall savings are expected to be lower than in previous rounds. “I am very disappointed by the outcome of today’s vote and that Ft. Gillem and Ft. McPherson remained on the BRAC list for closure despite the vital role they continue to play a in coordinating the deployment of troops abroad and federal response to national disasters like this year’s string of devastating hurricanes,” Congressman Scott stated. “I will work with defense officials and the Local Redevelopment Authority during the upcoming transition period for Forts Gillem and McPherson.” Congressman Scott’s efforts to remove Forts Gillem and McPherson from the BRAC list of closings proved partly successful as he secured the extension of six federal functions at an enclave at Ft. Gillem, blocking a complete closing of the military base. These functions include the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, Georgia Army National Guard, 3rd MEDCOM, SE Army Reserve Intelligence Center, FEMA, and Red Cross. Congress had until October 30, 2005 to pass a joint resolution of disapproval of the list. Following today’s vote, the Defense Department is now charged with carrying out the recommended closures and realignments. ###

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RELATED ITEMS: SCOTT RESPONDS TO BASE CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENT CONGRESSMAN SCOTT FIGHTS TO KEEP FORT GILLEM OPEN 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 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) Scott Condemns Base Closings