85R14079 KSM-D     By: Taylor of Galveston S.C.R. No. 41       CONCURRENT RESOLUTION          WHEREAS, The Pentagon could realize significant savings by   relocating the United States Africa Command from Germany to   Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston; and          WHEREAS, When AFRICOM was created in 2007, the Department of   Defense chose a temporary location in Stuttgart; it intended to   select a permanent headquarters in Africa, but set this plan aside   due to cost projections, security, and the sensitivities of African   nations; and          WHEREAS, The Department of Defense conducted a study in 2012   that found maintaining AFRICOM headquarters stateside would cost   $60 million to $70 million less per year, and now those savings   would be even greater due to significant increases in Overseas Cost   of Living Allowances rates; although relocation would involve   expense, this expense could be recouped within two to six years;   moreover, the relocation would repatriate about 1,400 direct jobs   and create as many as 4,300 additional jobs for U.S. residents, and   it would have an annual impact on the local economy ranging from   $400 million to $500 million; and          WHEREAS, Should the defense department decide to relocate   AFRICOM, Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston would be an   ideal home for the headquarters; the base features strong joint   service military value of active duty, reserve, and guard units   from all five U.S. armed services, some of which presently conduct   training and operational missions for AFRICOM; it is also equipped   to handle large military aircraft, and the city boasts one of the   nation's most vibrant ports, which handles 40 percent of all U.S.   trade with Africa; moreover, the community is exceptionally   supportive of the military, and the Greater Houston area has strong   cultural, educational, medical, and diplomatic ties with Africa;   and          WHEREAS, The Government Accountability Office has concluded   that the relocation of AFRICOM to the United States would generate   tremendous cost savings and economic benefits, and Ellington Field   Joint Reserve Base offers advantages that would enhance the   effectiveness of the headquarters; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas   hereby respectfully urge the United States Congress to direct the   Department of Defense to relocate the United States Africa Command   to Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward official   copies of this resolution to the president of the United States, to   the secretary of the Department of Defense, to the president of the   Senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives of the United   States Congress, and to all the members of the Texas delegation to   Congress with the request that this resolution be entered in the   Congressional Record as a memorial to the Congress of the United   States of America.