Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Monday proposed eliminating Virginia-based Joint Forces Command, a move which would cost up to 3,000 people their jobs. The proposal is among many cost-saving measures floated by Gates but has received the most attention due to the layoffs it entails.

“We must be mindful,” said Gates at a Pentagon press conference, “of the difficult economic and fiscal situation facing our nation. As a matter of principle and political reality, the Department of Defense cannot expect America’s elected representatives to approve budget increases each year.”

Sens. Jim Webb and Mark Warner of Virginia released statements opposed to the closure. Web said getting rid of JFC “would be a step backward and could be harmful” to the military. Warner added, “I can see no rational basis for dismantling [JFC].”