Rounds Questions Pentagon Officials on BRAC Process

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, Wednesday questioned Department of Defense (DoD) officials about the Administration’s proposal for another Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round. When Rounds was working as governor during the last BRAC round (2005), Ellsworth Air Force Base was removed from DoD’s proposed closure list as a result of extensive information that South Dakota presented to the BRAC Commission. The BRAC Commission was created by Congress to conduct an independent and impartial review of DoD’s closure recommendations.

“Ellsworth Air Force Base is an important part of a long-term defense strategy,” said Rounds. “Because of the critical role it plays in protecting our nation, I want to make sure the Pentagon is using the best possible information should there be another BRAC round. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will continue to seek ways to protect Ellsworth and the vital mission it performs for America.”

Full video of his questioning is available here.