February 9: Congresswoman Kaptur Meets with Ohio National Guard and the Ohio Congressional Delegation to Protect Jobs and Military Facilities

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur met with senior leadership of the Ohio National Guard and members of the Ohio Congressional Delegation at a briefing on Ohio's response to a possible Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC).

Kaptur discussed ways in which the National Guard and the Ohio Delegation and can work together to protect jobs and military instillations in the region.

"The world-class installations in Northern Ohio are some of the first to respond to threats against our nation," said Kaptur. "We must be vigilant and proactive in confronting this challenge."

"There are 1200 jobs at risk at the Toledo Air National Guard Base should the U.S. Air Force decide to recommend changes at the 180th Fighter Wing. Excellence at that base and in its deployments will make that indisputable case that the 180th is a star in the Pentagon's constellation," the congresswoman added.

"During the last BRAC process in 2005, I successfully defended the 180th Fighter Wing and maintained the jobs and critical defense capabilities that unit and its personnel provide to our nation. We must renew those efforts now," Kaptur said.

BRAC is an independent commission that is required to review and analyze DOD's recommendations for military installation closure or realignment. BRAC submits a report to the President with findings and conclusions that accept, reject, and or modify DOD's recommendations.

The President reviews BRAC's Commission report, and upon acceptance of the recommendations, submits it to Congress.

Congress then has the opportunity to disapprove of the recommendations through the enactment of a joint resolution. If the President fails to submit the recommendations to Congress within the time frame required under the Base Closure Act, the BRAC process is terminated.

"Our area has already been hard hit by high unemployment rates, and preserving these jobs—and military capability—is essential for our national security," Kaptur said.