Urging Congress to direct the Department of Defense to relocate the United States Africa Command to Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston.
The proposed relocation is seen as beneficial not only for the Pentagon but also for the local economy. It is projected to create approximately 4,300 new jobs for residents in the area and would have an estimated annual economic impact ranging from $350 million to $450 million. The resolution emphasizes that relocating the Africa Command headquarters to Ellington Field would also enhance its operational capabilities due to the military facilities available, including the capacity to handle military aircraft and the presence of strong support from the local community.
Senate Resolution 451 urges the United States Congress to direct the Department of Defense to relocate the United States Africa Command from its current temporary base in Germany to the Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, Texas. The resolution highlights that such a relocation could lead to significant cost savings for the Pentagon, estimated to be between $60 million to $70 million annually, despite some upfront moving expenses. It is pointed out that these initial costs could be recouped within a span of two to six years, making it an economically viable option for the military.
Notably, the resolution brings attention to the original intention of the Department of Defense to establish a permanent headquarters within Africa, which was set aside for various reasons. Critics of maintaining the command in Germany argue that relocating it to the United States would not only save costs but also improve efficiency by placing the command closer to related military operations and resources. However, there could be concerns regarding the implications of maintaining a military command engaged with African nations from U.S. soil, signaling debates around foreign affairs and military presence on the continent.