Sequestration cuts are real and will have a devastating impact. For example, in Georgia sequestration will affect over 37,000 jobs. In my district for just the Army 17,000 jobs will be affected.
Thank you Mr. Chairman, first, I would like to thank all of you for your continued service to our Nation. You all are truly deserving of the Nation's affection and support.
Mr. Chairman, we are facing some very difficult times. As you know, on March 1st a series of automatic cuts-called sequestration will begin to be implemented.
Sequestration was included in the Budget Control Act to force Republicans and Democrats to work together to resolve or fiscal problems.
These cuts are unacceptable and I cannot believe some Members of this body are willing to accept cuts that would significantly harm our national security and the military's ability to handle any contingency now and in the future.
Now some of my colleagues believe that these cuts will not threaten hundreds of thousands of middle class jobs and that this talk is to scare the public.
Mr. Chairman, I just want my colleagues to know that these cuts are real and will have a devastating impact. For example, in Georgia sequestration will affect over 37,000 jobs. In my district for just the Army 17,000 jobs will be affected.
Mr. Chairman, the people in my district are hardworking folks who just want the chance to pursue the American Dream. Many of them are federal employees who have already been forced to cut back as a result of some of the actions we've taken.
Others are defense contractors who support our men and women in uniform, who are at the point of the spear and rely on these defense contractors to keep them well equipped and well trained. And they cannot afford the arbitrary, irrational cuts that are being implemented.
I think many of our colleagues have forgotten that we have already cut $487 billion over 10 years in Defense under the Budget Control Act not to mention the $138 billion of cost savings implemented by Secretary Gates and Panetta.
How much longer are we going to try and address our budget issues on the backs of our service members and their families?
Mr. Chairman, I have said numerous times that there is no question that we need to cut the deficit, but it needs to be done in a balanced way that protects investments the middle class relies on and doesn't jeopardize our national security.
Mr. Chairman, I think this is an important hearing and I know you share my concern when it comes to defense of our great Nation.
Mr. Chairman you and I worked hand in hand last Congress and we tackled some very difficult issues because we looked for compromise.
I look forward to the witnesses' thoughts on these issues and I yield back.
Source: U.S. Department of HCA
