Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Keeping the Military Presence in Alaska Strong

House Bill Creates Joint Committee on Military Bases

For Immediate Release April 14, 1998 Contact: Rep. Eldon Mulder at (907) 465-2647.

Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Tuesday unanimously passed House Bill 356, which would establish a Joint House and Senate Committee on Military Bases in Alaska. The committee is being formed in anticipation of more base realignments and closures for the US Military.

"This committee would monitor the activities of the new Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission, work to strengthen the military presence in Alaska, and, if the BRAC process is reauthorized, work with the Pentagon, the Administration, and affected communities in Alaska to protect our bases from closure," said the bill's sponsor, Representative Eldon Mulder (R-Anchorage).

The Uniform Rules of the Legislature require that a joint committee can be established through concurrent resolution, but may only exist for the duration of the current, 20th, Legislature. Since this committee must remain in existence for another two years, until the 22nd Legislature convenes, while the federal BRAC Commission performs its work, it requires a change in statute, which HB 356 provides.

"The threat of closures and downsizings necessitates vigilance and a strong unified response from the Legislature," Mulder said. "The military establishment in Alaska accounts for approximately $1.7 billion throughout the Alaskan economy. In addition, recent closures, such as at Fort Greely and the Adak Naval Air Facility, have shown that the state government must closely monitor the economic impacts and reuse potential of such base closures. This joint committee would provide that critical focus," Mulder said.

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Broadcasters note: Comments are available by calling the House Majority Actuality Line at (800) 478-6540.
= Eldon Mulder, 36 K = Eldon Mulder, 27 K