New Democrat Coalition Urges Sequester Replacement
Following a meeting with Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Frank Kendall, the New Democrat Coalition’s Task Force on National Security co-chairs, Rep. Jim Moran (VA-08), Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), and Rep. Ron Barber (AZ-02) as well as House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member and New Democrat Coalition Member Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement:
“Undersecretary Kendall’s presentation underscored, yet again, the consequences of the reckless and irresponsible sequester for our nation’s military forces. From diminished troop readiness, dangerous reports of potential embassy security cuts, and drastic reductions in innovative research, sequestration has reared its ugly head time and time again in ways that leave Americans less safe and our economy weaker. That’s why, as Members of the New Democrat Coalition, we are calling on our colleagues in both parties to replace the blunt force trauma of sequestration with a more measured approach to enhancing our nation’s military readiness and technological superiority.
“As New Democrats, we continue to look for ways to spend tax payer dollars more efficiently. Simply cutting indiscriminately from defense does not make us safer – spending more wisely and more effectively does. It is time for the Pentagon to be given the flexibility to make thoughtful choices about the tools our troops need to be safe and secure on the fields of 21st century battles, and scrutinize Cold War-era systems we don’t need and don’t use.”
Our men and women in uniform cannot afford another manufactured crisis when the Continuing Resolution expires on January 15th. Congress must replace sequestration for both defense and non-defense expenditures in a balanced way.”
The New Democrat Coalition is dedicated to maintaining America’s standing as the world’s strongest, most successful nation. Founded in 1997, the New Dems believe firmly in the power of American ingenuity and innovation, and are focused on finding ways to foster and harness this creativity to grow our economy, create new American jobs, and ensure a safer and more secure future for our country.
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