Contact: Todd Deutsch 202-224-9921

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) today formed a coalition to support defense communities in North Dakota, Georgia and around the country.  The newly formed Senate Defense Communities Caucus will work to support the unique needs of defense communities, which play a vital role in supporting the United States military.

“In North Dakota our communities take immense pride in their military installations and their servicemembers. These communities work hand in glove with their bases to develop partnerships that benefit our states in countless ways. They provide crucial support and stability to our servicemembers, all while raising their families, educating their children and working to grow their local economies,” said Heitkamp, who recently received the 2013 Association of Defense Communities Award for her steadfast support of North Dakota’s military installations. “I cofounded this Caucus because North Dakota and our country’s defense communities have unique challenges that deserve our utmost attention.”

“Georgia is home to several military installations with active community supporters who provide the support and stability that our men and women in uniform require. It is critically important that we understand the issues these communities face and play an active role in empowering and supporting them,” said Isakson. “I’m proud to join Sen. Heitkamp in forming the Defense Communities Caucus, and I invite my colleagues to join us in this cause.”

The Senate Defense Communities Caucus will work to:

• Develop strategies to ensure service members feel part of their communities. What are the best programs around the country? How can we best share this information?
• Highlight and further develop transition assistance programs for returning and transitioning service members: How can both families and communities prepare for their loved ones return from deployment or as they transition from the military?
• Build economic development strategies: How can we best utilize skilled veterans and military base employees to enhance economic relationships?
• Stay at the forefront of base redevelopment issues: As our defense communities react to changes in our national security environment, what can they learn from other communities who have gone through similar challenges? 

The Defense Communities Caucus will give voice to these unique issues, while creating and strengthening partnerships between the private sector, military installations and their communities. On Tuesday, Heitkamp and Isakson invited all of their colleagues to join the new Caucus. 

-30-