Senator Paul S. Sarbanes (D-MD) today reacted positively to the news that the State of Maryland could see an overall net gain of almost 6,500 military and civilian jobs as a result of the recommendations by the Secretary of Defense to the 2005 Base Closure Commission.
"I am cautiously optimistic that once the process is completed later this year, Maryland will see an overall increase in defense-related and terrorism-fighting related jobs. You can be certain that my Congressional colleagues and I will closely follow this process through to its conclusion."
"However, any closure and realignment will clearly have an impact on those families being uprooted. As has been the practice of the Maryland Congressional Delegation in previous BRAC's, we will work closely with the concerned and impacted communities to bring to the Base Closure Commission's attention the extraordinary levels of skill and dedication that the employees of these facilities contribute to the strength of our national defense."
REMAINING BRAC TIMELINE
Jul 1, 05—Comptroller General Analysis. Not later than this date, the Comptroller General shall transmit to the congressional defense committees, a report containing a detailed analysis of the Secretary's recommendations and selection process.
Sep 8, 05—Commission's Recommendations. Not later than this date, the Commission must transmit to the President "a report containing its findings and conclusions based on a review and analysis of the Secretary's recommendations."
Sep 23, 05—President's Approval or Disapproval of Commission Recommendations. Not later than this date, the President shall transmit to the Commission and to the Congress, "a report containing the President's approval or disapproval of the Commission's recommendations."
If the President approves the recommendations, the recommendations are binding 45 "legislative" days after Presidential transmission or adjournment sine die, unless Congress enacts joint resolution of disapproval.
Oct 20, 05—Commission's Revised Recommendations. If the President disapproves the Commission's initial recommendations, the Commission must submit revised recommendations to the President not later than this date.
Nov 7, 05—President's Approval or Disapproval of Revised Recommendations. The President must approve the revised recommendations and transmit approval to Congress by this date or the process ends. The recommendations become binding 45 "legislative" days after Presidential transmission or adjournment sine die, unless Congress enacts joint resolution of disapproval.
Apr 15, 06 Commission terminates