[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 113 (Thursday, July 26, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H5295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SEQUESTRATION
(Mr. WITTMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, Congress faces looming deadlines at the end
of this year, set to take effect in the first days of 2013. Just as we
ring in a new year with a renewed sense of optimism, if Congress does
not act, looming defense cuts will cripple our military and this
Nation.
Our military will be forced to cut an additional 10 percent from its
budgets; an additional 10 percent of resources supporting our troops
deployed overseas, fighting for our freedoms; an additional 10 percent
of budgets supporting new technologies, training, and ships already
lacking maintenance and which are behind schedule; an additional 10
percent of our national security.
While the House passed, and I proudly supported, legislation in May
to avert these cuts, action is still needed by the Senate and the
administration.
Why does Congress continue to wait? Why does Congress procrastinate
on an issue so pressing and so important to this Nation? Who will
answer the call?
Leaving this issue to the last minute is irresponsible, and failure
is not an option. I urge the leaders of this Nation to stop the delay.
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