CONGRESSMAN COSTA RESPONDS TO BASE CLOSURE ANNOUNCEMENT
Washington, D.C. - Today,Congressman Costa responded to the unfortunate news that the 144th FighterWing, which is located in Fresno,has been included on the initial list of this year's round of baseclosures.
"I respectfully disagree with the Department ofDefense's decision to close the 144th. The 144th provides a great serviceto the nation and community. I will bevery active in the review process and will do everything I can to reverse thisdecision," stated Costa.
Congressman Costa received the information thismorning and stressed that is not a final decision. "While this list is the Base Realignment andClosure Commissioners' recommendations, the final decision will not be made forseveral months. Just as I have been veryactive in contacting the Department of Defense and President Bush before thedecision was made, I will continue to do everything possible to keep the 144thopen," Costa said.
Over the last several months, Congressman Costa hascontacted Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfield and President Bush severaltimes regarding the important work that the144th does for the Central Valley and the protection the base provides theWest Coast.
The 144th Fighter Wing is a key componentto California'shomeland defense. It is the only permanentlystationed Air National Guard fighter unit in California. "I believe that moving the 144th Fighter Wing wouldjeopardize the homeland security interests of the Central Valley and all peoplein California. I strongly oppose the Commissioners' decisionto close the 144th," concluded Costa.
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