Urging Congress to encourage the Department of Defense to relocate the United States Africa Command to Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston.
The potential relocation of AFRICOM to Ellington Field would not only create approximately 4,300 jobs for U.S. residents but also stimulate the local economy, with expected annual effects ranging from $350 million to $450 million. Furthermore, the resolution points out that Houston's supportive community and resources — including strong ties to Africa and military capabilities at the base — make it an ideal candidate for hosting the headquarters. These economic indicators suggest that such a move could lead to long-term benefits for both the military infrastructure and the local populace.
HCR109 is a concurrent resolution of the Texas Legislature urging Congress to direct the Department of Defense to relocate the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) from Germany to the Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston. The resolution highlights potential economic benefits such as significant cost savings for the Pentagon and a positive impact on the local economy. It is suggested that by moving AFRICOM to Houston, the Department of Defense could save approximately $60 million to $70 million annually, especially considering the current operating costs in Germany that are deemed excessive.
The sentiment surrounding HCR109 appears largely favorable, especially among Texas legislators looking to attract military operations to their state. Supporters view the potential relocation as a strategic move that could bolster national defense capabilities while simultaneously enhancing local economic conditions. The resolution promotes a sense of pride and local engagement in military affairs, reflecting Houston’s strong support for its armed forces and interests in African relations.
While the resolution articulates clear economic advantages and community support for the relocation of AFRICOM, potential points of contention could arise from logistical considerations, such as the initial costs of relocation and integration of military resources at Ellington Field. Additionally, the proposal relies on the willingness of the Department of Defense and Congress to take action on the resolution, which may face competing priorities within government budgets and military operations elsewhere. Thus, although the resolution sets forth a compelling case, its actualization may encounter bureaucratic hurdles.