June 14, 2005

Oregon National Guardsmen Brief Delegation on Safety Concerns

Washington, DC – Today, Senator Gordon Smith convened Oregon lawmakers and Oregon National Guard leaders to discuss the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) commission’s proposal to drastically reduce the Portland based 142nd Fighter Wing Mission. On Friday May 13, the U.S. Department of Defense proposed realigning all of the military assets currently housed at the Oregon National Guard installation in Portland with the exception of two on-alert fighter jets.

“The meeting was a constructive discussion about the BRAC proposal,” said Smith. “There is an important mission to be carried out in keeping the Northwest safe, and it’s critical that we don’t leave a military vacancy sign hanging out front.”

The meeting, held at Smith’s Washington D.C. office, was attended by Senator Ron Wyden, and Oregon U.S. Representatives Peter DeFazio, Darlene Hooley, Earl Blumenauer and David Wu. The meeting foreshadows the BRAC commission’s public hearing that is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Friday June 17th in Portland. The hearing will enable elected officials, including Senator Smith, and the non-partisan BRAC commissioners to enter into a public discourse on the proposed changes.

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