The Air Force logistics center in Ogden, Utah, is at 53 percent. Caucus members protecting the depots argue that it is unwise to shut facilities that are essential in war time. A private business can be hit with a strike or have financial problems that could harm the nation in times of crisis, these lawmakers say. Few want to tangle with them. But Fowler said the caucus doesn't bully opponents, and is simply trying to educate colleagues on the importance of the depots.
Democrats also are prominent in the depot-saving effort.
Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Wash., who serves on the Appropriations defense and military construction subcommittees, is a caucus member. And Rep. Solomon Ortiz of Texas, ranking Democrat on the Armed Services readiness subcommittee, is co-chairman of the caucus. Ortiz said the group has contacts throughout depots so it can be alerted to any efforts to cut work. Budget concerns Pentagon officials say they're not trying to starve the depots by sending more work to the private sector, but rather are trying to save money. Until recently, a huge chunk of its business, in partnership with a private contractor, was converting old tanks into modern, self-propelled howitzers called the Paladin.