Military Base Closures: Implementing the 2005 Round

Publication Date: July 2003

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Military and defense

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Abstract:

The first significant steps in implementing the new 2005 base closure law were formally announced by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on November 15, 2002. These included development of a force structure plan, conducting a comprehensive inventory of military installations, and establishing criteria for selecting bases for closure or realignment. Concurrently, many communities near military facilities are experiencing anxiety about their future. Efforts, on their part, to protect these bases include improving infrastructure near bases and forming partnerships with the military. On Capitol Hill, some Members question the wisdom of conducting a new round at this time, when the national security environment is uncertain. On May 22, 2003, the House passed its FY2004 defense authorization bill (H.R. 1588). It contained a provision that would exempt half of domestic bases from being closed. On May 22, 2003, the Senate passed its version of the defense bill (S. 1050), in which it provided for a commission to review overseas bases. This report will be updated to reflect major developments.