WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Rep. Jim Moran, (D-VA-8) announced today that the Air Force has decided not to relocate the Office of Scientific Research from its current site in Arlington to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. In January, Sens. Warner and Kaine and Rep. Moran wrote a letter urging the Air Force to reconsider the proposed move. The Office of Scientific Research employs 170 in the heart of Northern Virginia’s technology corridor in Arlington.

Sen. Kaine asked Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James in today’s Senate Armed Services Committee hearing about the status of the relocation plans.  In response, Secretary James said, “the evaluation is completed, and it’s staying put.”

“I am very pleased that following our concerns, the Air Force has decided not to relocate the Office of Scientific  Research from Arlington,” Sen. Warner said. “This decision reflects the fact that Northern Virginia is recognized as an unparalleled hub for technology, defense and education.”

“Today’s announcement that the Air Force Office of Scientific Research will remain in Arlington is great news for Northern Virginia, and a true testament to the region’s impressive and highly skilled workforce,” said Sen. Kaine. “The scientists and researchers there love where they work, and love where they live – that’s Northern Virginia.”

“The Air Force made the right decision to keep the Office of Scientific Research in Arlington,” said Rep. Moran. “Besides being one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family, it’s a nationally recognized hub of research and innovation that can’t be replicated anywhere else.”