Niagara Falls, NY (WBEN/AP) The Pentagon outlined a plan Thursday for slowing the growth of military spending, including cutting the size of the Army and Marine Corps, retiring older planes and trimming war costs. It drew quick criticism from Republicans, signaling the difficulty of scaling back defense budgets in an election year. That is making those who led the charge to keep the Niagara Falls Air Reserve open seven years ago nervous.

Merrell Lane, Chariman of the Niagara Military Affairs Council (NIMAC), says Defense Secretary Leon Panetta will ask for two BRAC committees (Base Realignment and Closure) from Congress. "NIMAC has expressed its concern to its communities and the New York Congressional Delegation for months about this prospect for months and will work with those who support retention of the baee," says Lane.

Lane says even though Congress must approve, he is concerned because of the chaos caused by the possible closure in 1995 and 2005. Lane says "we must assume we will be a target again."

In reaction, Representatives Kathy Hochul (NY-26) and Louise Slaughter (NY-28) on Thursday night said they will continue to fight on behalf of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station after  the announcement from Defense Secretary Leon Panetta detailing the defense budget cuts. 
Hochul and Slaughter represent the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and say they've been actively engaged in the process to protect the base. 
 
“The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is an important part of the military, our nation’s national security, and the Western New York community,” Congresswoman Hochul said in a news release.  “As a new Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have already held personal meetings with senior military officials, and have communicated with the administration about the importance of this installation.”
 
“We know how difficult these BRAC Commissions are because of all the work it took in 2005 to save it,” Congresswoman Slaughter said in the same statement.  “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the Niagara Falls Air Base deserves to be the crown jewel of the Air Force. I’ve been proud to join my colleagues in conversations about the importance of the Air Base for Western New York and the United States military.”
 
The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Center is home to the 914th and 107th Airlift Wings and is the largest employer in Niagara County.