Fort Bragg Report: Congressmen throw support behind Fort Bragg

A month after Army leaders came to Fayetteville to listen to concerns over potential troop cuts, local congressmen have sent a letter to Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno.

Reps. Renee Ellmers, Richard Hudson and David Rouzer sent the letter to Odierno on Monday.

In it, they tell Odierno that trying to save money by cutting troops from Fort Bragg would be unwise and potentially dangerous.

In a statement, Ellmers said she would work with Army leaders to ensure that Fort Bragg remains "the nation's premier installation and that it continues to set the example around our country."

"The listening session was a great opportunity for our nation's military leaders to be reminded as to how essential Fort Bragg is to Fayetteville and surrounding communities," Ellmers said. "As Lieutenant General Anderson noted, Fort Bragg is one of the best military communities in the country, and I am glad our leaders had the opportunity to hear firsthand about the benefits of this base, its economic impact within the Second District, and the principal role it plays in training both airborne and special operations forces.”

In a separate release, Hudson said strongly opposed any cuts to Fort Bragg.

"North Carolina’s robust military presence plays a critical role in maintaining a strong national defense, and making short-sighted cuts to operations at Fort Bragg – the epicenter of the universe - would threaten our security at a time when the United States simply cannot afford it," Hudson said. "The unique missions performed by elite soldiers and airmen stationed at Fort Bragg are key components of our strategy to confront growing global threats and keep our nation safe."

"Beyond the immediate hit on readiness, these proposed cuts would have a detrimental economic impact on our region, destroying vital jobs, threatening the livelihood of families who serve Fort Bragg and shattering our local economies," he added. "Shrinking Fort Bragg’s footprint is unacceptable, and I remain committed to working with my North Carolina colleagues to support our troops, veterans, military families and protect North Carolina’s defense facilities."