From Deseret News archives:
Base closures won't be delayed
And Utahns see benefits in not stalling process
Rick Mayfield, executive director of the Utah Defense Alliance, said he's waiting to see specific language in the 2005 Defense Authorization Bill but noted he didn't think the delay included in the original bill and removed Thursday in Congress would have passed anyway.
"The White House said they would veto it," Mayfield said. "From our standpoint, I think it's a good thing they are going ahead because we need to know what's going to happen so we can get on with our lives."
The Senate and House were closely divided on the issue, particularly in the House, where several members mentioned the sting that a hometown base closing has on a local economy.
Mayfield said alliance members were on the phone Thursday with Utah's congressional delegation, getting a progress report on the bill, which must still go before the full Congress and be signed by President Bush.
Scott Parker, press secretary for Rep. Rob Bishop, who represents the district in which Hill is located, said the congressman voted earlier this year to delay the Base Realignment and Closure process, but he didn't expect it to hold up.
Even though the base reviews will now continue in 2005, Parker said Bishop believes the delay "may have the effect of putting the Pentagon on notice that Congress is watching it closely, and they better not go too far (in base closings) or Congress may step in."
Like Mayfield, Parker said there are benefits to moving ahead on closings and not living with uncertainty for two years.
Next year's round of base closings is expected to affect 100 of the nation's 425 military installations. Many in Congress have argued that now is the wrong time to close bases due to the escalating war in Iraq and overseas troop movements.
Both Bush and the Pentagon favor more base closings on the grounds that closings will save billions of dollars needed for new weapons systems and other military needs.
Mayfield said the Pentagon needs to close some bases to save money and stay within its budget.
As for the fate of Hill and other Utah military installations, Mayfield said there are rumors on the street in Washington, but nothing credible.
"You can pick up all kinds of rumors, but I think a lot of the matter is still under study, and it would be premature to make any judgments now."
Base closings still may be delayed, though, depending on who wins Nov. 2. Sen. John Kerry has said he would move to delay the base closings if he is elected president.
Contributing: Scripps Howard News Service; E-mail: lweist@desnews.com
