U.S. Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., plans to introduce legislation that would freeze any shutdown of the U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, he announced Wednesday.
The proposal from Defense Secretary Robert Gates last month has drawn bipartisan protests from Virginia’s congressional delegation, as well as from Gov. Bob McDonnell.
Webb will introduce a measure to require Gates to provide “full justification” to Congress before any action is taken to shutter JFCOM, he said.
“A decision of this magnitude poses significant implications for joint war-fighting capabilities that are essential for successful 21st-century combat operations,” he said. “Any proposal to close or realign the command should be guided by a clear process and analytical basis that everyone can understand.”
