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Statement of Senator Dianne Feinstein
in Support of Californians Vic Fazio and Wade Sanders
as Members of the BRAC Commission
January 14, 2005
pdf version

Washington, DC -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi has recommended two Californians -- former Congressman Vic Fazio and Wade Sanders -- to President Bush for nomination to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission.

The Commission is charged with making recommendations for the realignment or closure of military installations in the United States. By law, the President and the Democratic Leader of the House must consult on one of the nine nominations to the Commission. President Bush must nominate members of the commission by March 15, 2004. All nominations must be confirmed by the Senate.

Following is Senator Dianne Feinstein’s (D-Calif.) statement:

“Let me express my strong support for former Congressman Vic Fazio and Wade Sanders as members of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission. Congressman Fazio and Mr. Sanders are both highly qualified candidates who would ensure that California is well represented on the BRAC Commission.

Congressman Fazio distinguished himself as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction during his two decades of service in the U.S. Congress. And, as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Clinton, Wade Sanders has extensive knowledge of military transformation issues and worked on previous BRAC rounds.

Ensuring Californian representation on this commission is critical. California was hit hard in the past four BRAC rounds. Since 1988, California has lost 29 bases and an estimated 93,000 jobs. We shouldered 60 percent of the net personnel cuts and lost more jobs than all other states combined.

California should not once again be asked to bear a disproportionate share of the burden. That’s why it is so important for California to have one of these men as its voice on the Commission.”

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