Dem senator urges expansion of Army base in her district

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) called on the Army to expand a major military installation in her district on Monday, the same day it became the clear the congressional supercommittee's failure would result in an additional $600 billion in defense cuts for FY 2013-2021.

A press release dated Monday includes a letter written by Landrieu to Secretary of the Army John McHugh urging the purchase of 8,250 acres of land adjacent to Fort Polk and the Army's Joint Readiness Training Center, so that the facility can be expanded.

"This new land is equally important to Fort Polk's mission and the local communities," wrote Landrieu. She said the expansion is needed, in part, to accommodate soldiers returning from overseas.

Landrieu also sent a letter expressing the same sentiment on Nov. 15. The Army is reportedly already in the final stages of making the purchase.