DOD threatens BRAC with or without congressional backing

WASHINGTON — Pentagon officials warned skeptical lawmakers this week that the military will look to close some facilities with or without a formal base closure round, and said local communities could suffer without Congress’ cooperation.

But lawmakers remain fiercely opposed to another BRAC round, and questioned the motivations and potential savings. Military leaders insist the moves are necessary to protect the strategic and financial interests of the armed forces.

“We must close and realign military bases here in the United States,” Dorothy Robyn, deputy undersecretary of defense for installations and environment, told lawmakers on Thursday. “If Congress does not authorize additional BRAC rounds for this purpose, the department will be forced to use its existing authorities to begin to support our new defense strategy.”
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