Murphy Moves Legislation to Save 911th

Congressman Tim Murphy introduced legislation Tuesday to expressly block the Air Force from relocating the seven C-130 aircraft at the .

His bill effectively prevents the Pentagon from closing the base. A face-to-face meeting with Air Force officials, which was brokered by Murphy, is scheduled for the Pennsylvania delegation this Thursday at 1 p.m. to discuss the 911th.

“Congressional intervention is needed to stop the Air Force from making a hasty and unwise decision," Rep. Murphy said in a statement. "The 911th is one of the most cost-effective bases in our military. I’m putting down a legislative marker that stops the closure and ensures there’s a deliberate review of the Air Force realignment.

“The Air Force may not be in compliance with existing law that requires congressional approval to close any base with more than 300 civilian personnel."

Original cosponsors of the legislation include Reps. Jason Altmire (PA-4), Mike Doyle (PA-14) and Mark Critz (PA-12).

A .pdf of the legislation is attached to the right.

Here is the text of the legislation:

SECTION 1. PROHIBITION ON RELOCATION OF C-130 AIRCRAFT.

The Secretary of the Air Force—

(1) may not plan or execute the permanent relocation of any C-130 aircraft assigned to Pittsburgh IAP Air Reserve Station as of the date of the enactment of this Act; and

(2) shall ensure that the number of C-130 aircraft assigned to Pittsburgh IAP Air Reserve Station as of September 30, 2012, equals or exceeds the number of C-130 aircraft assigned to Pittsburgh IAP Air Reserve Station as of October 1, 2011.