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Rumsfeld would advise veto over base-closing delay

CongressDaily September 24, 2004

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said Thursday that he would recommend a veto if the fiscal 2005 defense authorization bill contains House-passed language that would delay the base realignment and closure round scheduled for next year.

At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on global force posture changes, Rumsfeld said the timing of the planned return of about 70,000 U.S. forces from overseas and the scheduled BRAC round "are linked together tightly."

After telling Armed Services Committee Chairman John Warner, R-Va., he "certainly" would recommend a veto if the final agreement delays the base-closing round, Rumsfeld added: "It would be most unfortunate if there be any delay in BRAC. It would indeed delay forces being returned to the United States."

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Although the administration has not said as much, it is clear that the realignment of many of the nearly 200,000 U.S. forces permanently stationed in Europe and Asia has been accelerated to reduce the number of domestic bases that would have to be closed, softening the political impact of the next base-closing round.

The House-passed authorization includes a provision that would delay the proposed base closure process by two years, but then would require action by both chambers to restart it. The Senate bill makes no changes to the BRAC process.

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  • I watched that hearing and what Rummy actually said was, "I don't do politics" and then he said he would recommend a veto of the bill if... If you Rummy lovers think this man is truthful you deserve what you get from him. He is nothing but political and that alone is why he is the Sec'y of Defense, nonpolitical people are demonized and sent to the corner. Rummy is a fraud and everyone should be aware of it. As long as his family is not being slaughtered in Iraq all is well. Beware of the wolf in sheep's clothing he will cost you or someone you love your/their life. GovExec.com reader Posted September 28, 2004 8:02 AM
  • The argument to keep base closure in limbo because there is a plan to return troops from Europe is ridiculous. There are many bases that can take the troop increase and that is after several close. The worse part of this exercise is the long wait to bring them home from England, Germany, Japan, Korea and Italy. tax payer Posted September 28, 2004 6:35 AM
  • If we're bringing troops home from overseas, where does Mr. Rumsfield think to put them if they're closing bases?! He admits the armed forces has to GROW, so again, where to put them if you're closing bases? Doesn't seem practical or realistic. GovExec.com reader Posted September 27, 2004 7:23 AM
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