McMorris Sends Letter to Air Force Secretary Regarding Proposed Reductions at Fairchild

(Washington, DC) -- Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05) today sent the following letter to Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne asking for details surrounding the possible position reductions at Fairchild Air Force Base:

September 25, 2006

Honorable Michael W. Wynne

Secretary of the Air Force

1670 Air Force Pentagon

Washington, DC 20330-1670

Dear Secretary Wynne,

I write out of concern for recent reports I have heard regarding position reductions at Fairchild Air Force Base in my district.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, one of my priorities has been to ensure our national security and to look for ways that Eastern Washington can play a part in that important mission. In my job of representing Eastern Washington in Congress, I have continually worked to protect and expand Fairchild AFB. I am disappointed that I have not been included or informed of these possible reductions and their effect upon the mission of Fairchild and the Spokane region. I am hopeful to learn from you and your command in the very near future the factuality of details surrounding possible position reductions at Fairchild AFB.

1)   If cuts will occur at Fairchild AFB, what are the rationale and criteria used to determine which jobs will be moved or eliminated and why Fairchild positions are targeted for these cuts?

2)   What is the timing for these proposed changes?

3)   Will these changes affect active duty, reserve, and civilian positions?

4)   How will these reductions impact Fairchild’s ability to operate, maintain, and service the KC-135 Tankers stationed there, especially in light of increasing maintenance burden these planes are causing on the Air Force?

5)   How will these proposed cuts affect the ability of the KC-X Tanker program to move forward at Fairchild AFB?

6)   How will these projected reductions affect all missions at Fairchild AFB?

My office was made aware of the proposed personnel cuts via the media, and in the future I am hopeful that I can be alerted in a timely fashion of any changes or reductions proposed to Air Force assets in Eastern Washington.

Again, thank you for your attention to this matter and I look forward to working with you and your staff on this important issue facing Fairchild Air Force Base.

                                                        Best Wishes,  

                                                        Cathy McMorris

                                                        Member of Congress

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