Dear Friend,
The fiscal year 2013 Defense Appropriations bill cleared the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday and included funding for critical national security needs and resources to support our troops.
There is no question that in a post 9/11 world, the defense of this great nation has only become more difficult. This, in addition to the four consecutive trillion-dollar plus deficits recorded by the Obama administration, has made it tougher than any time since the end of WWII to fund essential military functions.
Across-the-board cuts, known as a “sequester,” are scheduled for January 2, 2013, which would result in a 10 percent Defense Department cutback. I agree that federal spending must be significantly curbed, but an additional $492 billion in cuts on top of the $487 billion that is scheduled to be cut over the next 10 years is unthinkable and would do irrevocable damage to our military’s ability to execute the missions that we ask of them.
This is why House Republicans have proposed two plans to replace the universal cuts with targeted reductions that appropriately eliminate redundant government programs and draw back unspent federal dollars. On top of this, the House overwhelmingly passed a bill on Wednesday that requires the White House to tell Congress and the American people how the administration plans to implement budget sequestration should the cuts take effect in 2013.
Know this: I will continue to advocate for sound fiscal policies that balance spending interests with Mississippi’s and our country’s military priorities.
God bless,
Gregg Harper
Member of Congress
7/20/12
Magnolia Tribune
