U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-Hamilton) issued the following statement today after President Bush endorsed the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) recommendations: 

    “I am extremely disappointed that President Bush chose not to reopen and revise the recommendations of BRAC recommendations.

    “On the one hand, the creation of the joint Mega-base is a very positive step and will bolster Fort Dix, McGuire Air Force Base, Naval Engineering Station and Lakehurst. Conversely, I believe the decision to close Fort Monmouth during a crucial period in both the War on Terror and in Iraq is wrong.

    “The Commission itself acknowledged defects in the Pentagon’s decision to close the base. Fearful that the Fort Monmouth closure could disrupt the War on Terror, BRAC voted to amend their recommendation requiring the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress showing that movement of Ft. Monmouth activities will be accomplished ‘without disruption to the Global War on Terrorism or other critical contingency operations and safeguards…’ 

    “I remain committed to ensuring that the closure of Ft. Monmouth does not violate BRAC’s own amendment and will work to ensure that both Congress and an independent body like the Government Accountability Office review and examine the report in order to verify that the Pentagon has met that criteria. 

    "My heart goes out to the families who lives will be uprooted by this wrongheaded decision.”