Feb. 26, U.S. Congressman Diane Black, R-Tenn., released the following statement announcing the formation of the bipartisan Congressional Range & Testing Center Caucus.
“As the wife, mother and daughter of U.S. servicemen, I believe that our brave men and women in uniform deserve our utmost respect and the resources and support necessary to carry out their mission. It is an honor to represent the Arnold Engineering Development Complex at Arnold Air Force Base, a recent addition to the 6th district. The Congressional Range & Testing Center Caucus will be a valuable tool in offering resources and support to the range and test centers across the country. I look forward to working with my colleagues to learn more about the strategic value of these facilities and how Congress can support them in carrying out their vital mission.” said Congressman Black.
The Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB)
MRTFB is a designated set of Department of Defense installations, ranges, and facilities regarded as “national assets” for their Test and Evaluation missions. These ranges and test centers, spread across the country in more than 20 locations, are critical components for maintaining our military’s technological advantage. Now more than ever it is essential that we recognize the strategic value of our various military installations.
Mission of the Congressional Range & Testing Center Caucus: to better educate members of Congress on the strategic value of ranges and test centers in support of their operations and of the thousands of military personnel, government civilian and contractor employees who operate them. To this end, caucus members can expect to receive classified briefings from high-ranking DOD officials on the role performed by the MRTFB, site visits to see MRTFB activities firsthand, and delegation visits from the various constituent and community groups that already support the MRTFB.
Editorís note: Black serves as the co-chairman of the Congressional Range & Testing Center Caucus.
