Panetta, caucus members discuss possibility of new BRAC round and its impact on defense communities

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan) and Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA), Co-Chairs of the Defense Communities Caucus, today hosted Defense Secretary Leon Panetta at a meeting with caucus members on the potential of future military base realignments and closures (BRAC) and its impact on defense communities across the country. The meeting, attended by 19 Members of Congress, also provided attendees with a forum to discuss the challenges and shortcomings of past BRAC rounds with Secretary Panetta. 

“Our defense communities work every day to adapt to ever changing budgets, understand shifts in our national security strategy, redevelop when missions have changed, and support the brave women and men coming home after serving our nation so honorably. As the possibility of a new BRAC is discussed, it was so important to have Secretary Panetta with us today to help educate the representatives of our defense communities on this process. I want to sincerely thank Secretary Panetta for his service and his time today” said Congresswoman and Co-Chair of the Defense Communities Caucus Lynn Jenkins.

“I want to thank Secretary Panetta for participating in today’s meeting and for his committed support of defense communities across our country,” said Congressman and Co-Chair of the Defense Communities Caucus Sam Farr. “As we face the possibility of a new round of BRAC it is important that we discuss how best to work together to ensure closed bases leave behind a legacy defined by vibrant and successful communities. This meeting allowed members of the Defense Communities Caucus to have a frank and honest conversation with Secretary Panetta about how to do just that.”    

The House Defense Communities Caucus was founded by Congressmembers Sam Farr and Lynn Jenkins in March 2011. The caucus is dedicated to supporting issues facing communities with closed or active military installations. In addition, it serves as a source of information for members of Congress on defense communities and their work to support service members, their families and civilian personnel.

During Secretary Panetta’s visit, Congresswoman Jenkins extended an invitation to visit the military installations in the Second District, including Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth, and Forbes Field.

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