Slaughter, Reynolds, Schumer Host First Capitol Hill Meeting for Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne

Washington, DC - Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28) was joined by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Representative Tom Reynolds (R-NY-26) in hosting the first ever Capitol Hill meeting for Michael Wynne, Secretary of the Air Force. The discussion focused on the current status and future development of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

During the meeting, which was held in Rep. Slaughter's Washington office, Secretary Wynn agreed to tour NFARS at the request of the Members, though he will not have the chance to do so until January or later.

"Thanks to the overwhelming efforts of the community and the excellence of the men and women who serve at the base, Niagara Air Reserve Station survived the BRAC process and is poised to play a leading role in defending our nation at home and abroad," Senator Schumer said. "Today's meetings were friendly, productive, and a crucial first step in shaping the future role of New York's bases," he continued. "I'm confident that Secretary Wynne and the top U.S. Air Force officials we met with today understands how strongly New York supports its bases and how important it is to move forward in preparing Niagara and Hancock for their new roles and responsibilities."

"I'm greatly pleased that Secretary Wynne and our New York delegation see eye to eye on national and regional importance of our Air Reserve Station," said Rep. Slaughter. "This solid understanding will help to pave the way for future improvements to the base, and that means future improvements in the security and quality of life for New York residents and people around our nation," she added.

"I am happy that the first meeting the new Secretary of the Air Force made on Capitol Hill was with the Western New York delegation to discuss the importance of Niagara Air Base," stated Congressman Tom Reynolds.  "I am proud to have been part of the team that helped save the base, and the nearly 3,000 jobs with it.  I look forward to working with the Air Force to implement the BRAC Commission's recommendations," he added.