In Kittery, Ayotte speaks out against BRAC discussions

Ayotte speaks out against BRAC discussions

Sen. Kelly Ayotte visited the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Monday. Photo by Deb Cram/Seacoastonline
Sen. Kelly Ayotte visited the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Monday. Photo by Deb Cram/Seacoastonline

 

KITTERY, Maine — U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte toured the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard ahead of her Senate committee’s debate on the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act that includes nearly $75 million in construction appropriations for the shipyard.

Ayotte, R-N.H., also spoke forcefully against a possible BRAC (base realignment and closing) commission and defended her statements that she would support the Republican nominee, presumed to be Donald Trump, but not endorse him.

The Senate Armed Services Committee, which includes both Ayotte and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, is scheduled to meet this week to work on the bill. The bill includes funding for three construction projects that members of the New Hampshire and Maine senate delegations have lobbied to be included as part of the authorization.

By Brian Early
bearly@seacoastonline.com

to read the rest of this FULL STORY, Click the following link to the Portsmouth Herald.