Called the Base Realignment and Closure or BRAC Commission, this group spends months studying methods and procedures for improving and making more efficient our nation’s military operations. Two defense facilities that are currently under BRAC review impact South Arkansas – the Pine Bluff Arsenal and the Red River Army Depot.

Because the BRAC process considers the viability of each and every military installation throughout the country, I, along with the other Members of Congress who represent districts that could be impacted, are concerned about BRAC.

Both the Pine Bluff Arsenal and the Red River Army Depot have been in operation since 1941, and provide missions that are critical to protecting our national security. The Pine Bluff Arsenal is one of the nation’s largest facilities for storing chemical weapons. It is also the Department of Defense’s sole supplier of white phosphorus smoke munitions -- a valuable tool soldiers can use to shield themselves during enemy combat. 

The Red River Army Depot is one of the only facilities that builds armor-plated doors for Humvees, which are critical to protecting our troops from small arms or explosive devices. The Depot is also the worldwide center for recertification of PATRIOT and HAWK missiles.

Both facilities boast a tremendous impact on our local economy. The Pine Bluff Arsenal provides over 2,500 jobs and infuses over $160 million annually into the local community.  The Red River Army Depot is one of the largest industrial operations in its region, employing nearly 5,000 people with an annual economic impact of $400 million.

Earlier this year, I invited House Armed Services Ranking Member Ike Skelton of Missouri down to join me in touring both the Pine Bluff Arsenal and the Red River Army Depot. This gave him the opportunity to see, first-hand, the value and importance these facilities have on our nation’s defense and local communities. As your Member of Congress, I am committed to doing all I can to protect these installations during the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. 

“Pope John Paul was one of the greatest spiritual leaders of our time. He was a man of God, and a man of the people - a man who gave profound advice without passing judgement. 

“During his papacy, the Pope reached beyond the boundaries of what was expected of him.  He helped feed the hungry. He cared for the sick and the dying. He promoted justice and supported economic development throughout the world. He promoted democracy, reminding people around the world that living in a land of freedom and unity was much better than living in a land of violence and oppression.”

“The Pope had an especially profound influence on putting an end to the Cold War, and promoted throughout the world that one's right to choose his or her religion was perhaps one of the greatest freedoms one can ever possess.

“When the Pope spoke, people listened. We will all miss him dearly, but are comforted to know that his influence on the world will be felt by generations to come.”