The Maryland congressional delegation is united in support of the Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) recommendations that call for moving more than 9,000 new jobs to Maryland. The recommendations are based on strategic considerations that will help our nation fight a more effective global war on terrorism.

The July bombings in London highlight the need to put our resources into improving our intelligence so that we can stop terrorism before it strikes.  Maryland is home to a number of important strategic installations, including the National Security Agency (NSA) at Ft. Meade and the Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) in Harford County.

Our top priority in the fight against terrorism must be to improve our intelligence gathering capabilities.  In particular, the Ft. Meade complex is at the forefront of this effort.  Currently, more than 39,000 military, civilian and contractor personnel work on the Ft. Meade campus, which -- in addition to NSA – also includes the Central Security Service.

Workers at the Ft. Meade complex represent a unique combination of specialties: analysts, engineers, physicists, mathematicians, linguists, computer scientists, researchers, security officers and data flow experts and mangers, among others.

The BRAC recommendations were developed in a process that began in 2001, and they are intended to enhance the military’s ability to face any possible challenge.  They also are focused on transforming important support functions – including logistics, medicine and research and development – by capitalizing on advances in technology and business practices.

The commission recently visited Maryland to hear testimony about the importance of relocating national security jobs to Maryland, and to learn more about Maryland’s ability to handle the influx of thousands of new workers. The hearing was held at Goucher College, and it went very well because Maryland clearly has the necessary resources and facilities to meet the challenge ahead.  In fact, Maryland’s highly educated and motivated workforce, top-notch schools, and affordable housing were important factors considered by the commission.

In early September, the commission will present the President with its final recommendations.  By the end of September, the President must approve or disapprove the recommendations, and by late October, the Commission will resubmit any revisions.  On Nov. 7, 2005, the President must certify the Commission’s final list and recommendations.  Congress then has 45 days to approve or disapprove the entire list.

I am confident that the BRAC recommendations will become reality regarding NSA and APG.  These recommendations are aimed at saving billions of dollars and at better positioning our resources to fight the emerging threats of the 21st Century.

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