Sen. Portman's Response on Local Impact of President Obama's Proposed Defense Budget

Statement

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), former director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and a member of the Senate Budget Committee, expressed concerns today about the Obama Administration's proposed changes to Ohio's defense structure:

"As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I've been a vocal advocate for Ohio's unique defense structures and am committed to doing everything I can to highlight their value to the Air Force and the Nation.

"While the Defense Department and Congress are faced with some very tough decisions in order to rein in spending, I'm troubled with the Department's proposal to significantly reduce the force posture of some Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units in Ohio. These proposals could impact some unique capabilities for our national security.

"I plan to ensure that the administration's strategy appropriately addresses future threats and that a comprehensive analytical approach was taken to reach their proposed force reductions. How we choose to find savings will have serious consequences for the strength of our national defense."

Last Thursday, Portman held a meeting with Ohio's congressional delegation and Major General Deborah Ashenhurst, the Adjutant General of the Ohio National Guard, to proactively prepare for a potential BRAC (base realignment and closure) process and prevent painful repercussions to Ohio's Air National Guard. Portman will continue to fight to ensure Ohio's interests are well-protected in future discussions.

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