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FRESNO, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) led abipartisan effort to help retain the only permanently stationed Air NationalGuard fighter unit in California. The air base is the 144^th FighterWing, headquartered in Fresno.

Congressman Costa sent aletter to Secretary Rumsfeld stressing the necessary and important role the 144^thFighter Wing plays not only in the Valley, but also in California. Costa's letter was also signed by Valley Congressmen Devin Nunes (CA-21)and George Radanovich (CA-19).

FRESNO, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) led the effortto help retain the 20^th District's Lemoore Naval Air Station;headquartered in Lemoore, California. Congressman Costa sent a letter to Secretary Rumsfeld stressing the necessaryand vital role Lemoore Naval Air Station plays not only in the Valley, but alsothroughout the state of California.

The text of the letter follows.

Dear Secretary Rumsfeld:

Co-authored: CongressmanRichard Pombo (CA-11), Congressman George Radanovich (CA-19), CongressmanDennis Cardoza (CA-18), Congressman Devin Nunes (CA-21) and Congressman JimCosta (CA-20)

We've heard our relationship referred to as "extraordinary"and "unusual." Well, we believe itis. We are Members of Congress from the Central Valley and we work together on more issues thannot. Is this typical for Republicans andDemocrats? Unfortunately, no. Typicalfor a few guys from the Central Valley? The answer - yes.

Washington, D.C. - Today,Congressman Costa responded to the unfortunate news that the 144^th 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 144^th. The 144^th 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.

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Costaresponded to the initial list of this year's round of base closures.

BothLemoore Naval Air Station and the 144^th Fighter Wing received a netgain according to the Department of Defense recommendations for base closuresand realignments.

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Costaresponded to the initial list of this year's round of base closures.

BothLemoore Naval Air Station and the 144^th Fighter Wing received a netgain according to the Department of Defense recommendations for base closuresand realignments.

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Costa responded to the initiallist of this year's round of base closures.

Both Edwards Air Force Base and China Lakereceived a net gain according to the Department of Defense recommendations forbase closures and realignments.

Washington, D.C. - Today,Congressman Costa responded to the unfortunate news that Lemoore Naval AirStation (Lemoore NAS), which is located in Fresnoand Kings Counties, has been included on the initiallist of this year's round of base closures.

"I respectfully disagree with the Department ofDefense's decision to close Lemoore Naval Air Station. The base provides a great service to the nationand community. I will be very active inthe review process and will do everything I can to reverse this decision," statedCosta.