Members of the Arkansas delegation described the meeting as positive and announced that they were able to secure a commitment from Principi to attend the July 11th regional BRAC hearing in San Antonio. The hearing will allow community leaders from Arkansas and Texas the opportunity to inform BRAC Commissioners on the military value of their respective bases. 

“We had a productive meeting with Chairman Principi and I am cautiously optimistic that our viewpoint and concerns are resonating,” Pryor said. “I am especially pleased that he has agreed to attend July’s regional hearing, where communities directly affected by BRAC recommendations will have an opportunity to present a strong comprehensive case for keeping Red River and Lone Star open.”

"It speaks volumes that the Secretary of the Army himself said that the U.S. Army is not in a position to close any of its depots due to future needs," Senator Blanche Lincoln said. "The services that Red River and Lone Star provide are crucial to our ongoing efforts in Iraq, and that’s why it was important to present to Chairman Principi an organized case of facts and expert evaluations. Because Red River serves as the Army’s only joint installation, providing vital maintenance, ammunition and distribution missions, we were able to further our case that Texarkana is vital to our national Defense." 

"I appreciate Chairman Anthony Principi taking the time to meet with members of the Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma delegations," said Ross.  "I believe today's meeting was extremely productive, as we were able to communicate to Chairman Principi solid reasons why Red River Army Depot and Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant must remain open, critical not only to the economic stability of Southwest Arkansas and Northeast Texas, but also in keeping safe our men and women in the military.  The functions carried out by Red River Army Depot and Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant, such as making protective armor for humvees, are imperative in keeping our soldiers safe abroad, and other depots around our nation simply do not have the capacity to manufacture the equipment necessary.  I look forward to joining Chairman Principi in San Antonio on July 11th for the regional hearing when I will be testifying on behalf of Red River Army Depot and Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant."

Tuesday’s meeting was part of the Arkansas delegation’s continuing effort to demonstrate the depot’s military value. The meeting marks the second time in a month Pryor, Lincoln and Ross have sat down with Principi to discuss Arkansas base closures and realignment. 

Pryor, Lincoln and Ross have met multiple times with south Arkansas community leaders to discuss the strengths and strategies that may be used to avert the BRAC’s closure recommendation. They will also submit testimony to the BRAC Commission in the coming weeks.