Senators critical of proposed military cuts
U. S. Senators Roger Wicker and Thad Cochran say they are keeping a watchful eye on a proposal to make cuts to the U. S. military.
The Republicans from Mississippi issued statements to WTVA.com about the announcement Monday at the Pentagon in Washington.
Wicker says he is astounded by the intentions to reduce the number of military personnel to levels not seen since before World War II.
He says the unwarranted cuts could force an additional burden on members of the Mississippi National Guard.
Wicker says he also opposes a portion of the plan that would recommend another round of base closures in 2017.
He says closures in 2005 did not result in any tangible savings.
A member of the Senate Armed Services and Budget committees, Wicker says he will fight to make sure the nation’s armed forces have the equipment, training and personnel required to protect the nation.
Cochran says the Defense Department budget is complex and he looks forward to reviewing the proposals once the budget is submitted.
He says Mississippi’s National Guard units have served this country with distinction and will be skeptical of proposals that would diminish their effectiveness to provide critical services.
WTVA
2/25/14
Magnolia Tribune
