WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by Congress this week includes a process to renames military installations named after Confederate soldiers; the provision is similar to legislation drafted by Congressmen Don Bacon (NE-02), a retired brigadier general and nearly 30-year Air Force veteran, and Anthony G. Brown (MD-04), House Armed Services Vice Chair and 30-year Army veteran.

The provision forms the National Commission on Modernizing Military Installation Designations, composed of individuals appointed by service secretaries as well as members of Congress. The independent commission will review and make recommendations for renaming installations and department property which have designations not in line with the values of this country or the mission of the United States military.

Military leaders, active-duty troops, veterans, civil rights organizations, and every day Americans have long called for changing the names of these installations. Recent instances of racial violence and racism have underscored the immediate need for change, and Reps. Bacon and Brown have been champions in making this a reality. 

“Our military bases should bear the names of America’s war heroes who went above and beyond to answer the call of duty, and who represent the best ideals of our Republic, such as Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients, or other national heroes,” said Rep. Bacon. “Right now, many of our military bases are named after Confederate leaders who betrayed their Constitutional oath and caused the death of over 600,000 people because of slavery. I thank my colleague Congressman Brown for his leadership in working across the aisle to reach consensus. This is the way we come together and move our country forward.”

“Who our military honors and reflects our values. We cannot ask young servicemembers to live, train and raise their families on bases honoring men who betrayed their country to keep Black men, women and children in bondage,” said Vice Chair Anthony Brown. “The United States does not lack for heroes we should honor and whose examples can serve as inspirations. For our values and military readiness, we will get this done. I want to thank my colleague Congressman Bacon for his support and advocacy on this important and historic change.” 

The U.S. Army currently has 10 bases and facilities named after leaders of the Confederacy. 

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