Several bases slated for closure or realignment, including Red River Army Depot and Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant, were given the opportunity to demonstrate to BRAC Commissioners their military value.  Senator Lincoln and I were given the opportunity to specifically testify on behalf of Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant, noting discrepancies regarding the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s (OSD) evaluation of Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant.  The OSD’s evaluation provides the basis for the Department of Defense’s recommendation for realignment and closure, and parts of the analysis were simply inaccurate.  

I am extremely appreciative that Chairman Principi accepted my invitation to personally tour Red River Army Depot in Texarkana and attend the regional BRAC hearing on Red River Army Depot and Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant in San Antonio.  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 believe we have made an outstanding case for the crucial role that Lone Star and Red River Army Depot play in our nation’s security, outlining point by point the military value of both these installations.  I am cautiously optimistic that the BRAC Commissioners will feel the same way after hearing Monday’s testimony when they submit their report to President Bush in September.