"The release of these additional documents is a step in the right direction," said Senators Collins and Lieberman. Moreover, based on staff discussions with Pentagon officials, we anticipate that more materials will be released on Monday."
"Fortunately, and perhaps spurred by the threat of an impending subpoena, DoD seems finally to have begun to understand that it has to comply with the law's requirements to release information, "said Senators Collins and Lieberman. "But we are beyond frustrated at how little--and of how little use-- the information is that has been released so far. While we hope this release indicates that the Pentagon has finally concluded that it must comply with the law and that a subpoena will not prove necessary, a subpoena has been drafted, and we will proceed to issue it if the Department does not make significant and rapid progress in releasing the remaining information," the Senators stated. "The law is clear about the Department''s obligations, and further foot-dragging cannot be tolerated. It is unfair to the affected communities who need this information to prepare their case."
The two Senators, who serve as the chairman and ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, earlier wrote to Secretary Donald Rumsfeld demanding release of all documents and other materials related to the base closure process. The Senators warned the Secretary that they were prepared to issue a subpoena if the overdue materials were not forthcoming. The law requires the Department to make available all information supporting its recommendations.
The documents can be found on the following website: www.defenselink.mil/brac/
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