WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, stated, In a very difficult environment for military facilities in the Northeast Rhode Island has done well. I believe todays Base Closing announcement is an acknowledgement of the significant federal infrastructure, personnel and research and development investment in Rhode Islands military facilities. While this is not the final decision in the BRAC process, it is an important step in ensuring that these facilities remain part of Rhode Island economic future.Throughout the Base Closure process I will continue to work with the entire state's Congressional delegation to make our case that Rhode Island's facilities provide the best value and the highest quality work to the nation.BRAC Timeline?The BRAC Commission will forward its report on the Secretary of Department of Defenses recommendations to the President by September 8, 2005. ?The president will have until September 23, 2005, to accept or reject the recommendations in their entirety. ?If accepted, Congress will have 45 legislative days to reject the recommendations in their entirety or they become binding on the department.