[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 18, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H5624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             SEQUESTRATION

  (Mr. BARBER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, because of the proposed sequestration cuts, 
the Air Force is considering the complete retirement of entire fleets 
of aircraft, including the A-10 Warthog. The A-10 is unsurpassed in its 
ability to provide close-air combat support for our troops on the 
ground.
  In Iraq and Afghanistan, the A-10 performed one-third of the combat 
sorties. One Army commander told me that whenever he heard the Warthogs 
overhead, he knew that their day was going to get better.
  The A-10 is a multi-role plane that assists in combat search-and-
rescue operations, escorting helicopters through the toughest combat 
zones. Its wings and electronics package have been completely refitted 
so that its mission can continue for at least another 15 years.
  Sequestration is a disgrace. I never supported it, and I implore my 
colleagues to work with me to end it. Our national security and the 
protection of our servicemembers in combat areas must be paramount as 
we fund the Department of Defense.
  Mr. Speaker, we must stop the irresponsible sequestration cuts and 
keep the A-10 flying.

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