Reps. Takano, Hill, and Cook Secure Bipartisan Amendment to Prevent Consolidation of Defense Media Activity in the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act
Riverside, CA – Reps. Mark Takano (D-CA), Katie Hill (D-CA), and Paul Cook (R-CA) secured a bipartisan amendment to prevent the consolidation of Defense Media Activity (DMA) in the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The amendment, which was adopted Wednesday, would limit any funds from being used to consolidate the DMA until 180 days after the date of enactment of this act – providing Congress additional time to consider and respond to a potential consolidation of DMA.
“This is an essential first step toward saving over 250 jobs in our community and maintaining important activities at March Air Reserve Base,” said Rep. Mark Takano. “I am glad that this amendment is coming to the House floor with bipartisan support. We will be working closely with our allies in the Senate to get it across the finish line.”
In April, Rep. Mark Takano warned about the potential risk of consolidation of DMA functions at March Air Reserve Base that could lead to the loss of hundreds of jobs and strongly opposed these efforts. Rep. Takano led a bipartisan letter with Rep. Calvert and Senators Feinstein and Harris expressing concern and opposition to the Department of Defense’s ongoing effort to relocate Defense Media Activity (DMA) functions currently stationed at March Air Reserve Base, which would lead to the elimination of the positions of about 250 employees.
As DOD looks to consolidate its DMA presence nationwide, the Department has so far failed to provide a concrete justification for the decision to reallocate DMA resources and staff without having a detrimental strategic impact. Until that time, Congress must have the opportunity to consider the impact on the roughly 250 American service men and women who would be directly impacted by this decision at DMA-Riverside, but also DMA's ability to meet its current mission requirements.
This amendment is vital to ensuring that Congress has the opportunity to consider the effects to the Department of Defense’s ability to meet war-fighting capabilities and that DMA is capable of executing its mission.
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