Hartzler: Defense cuts dangerous, put our national security in jeopardy

(From Fourth District Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler)

“President Obama’s budget-cutting plan, outlined by Defense Secretary Panetta, is dangerous and could put our national security in jeopardy. I am concerned that today’s proposals will weaken our defenses by slashing the Army and Marines as well as mothballing our ships and aircraft. Additionally, it is with a great deal of dismay that I see the call for two new rounds of military base closures to realize $487 billion in cuts to meet the initial spending caps in the Budget Control Act – which I voted against. With U.S. forces involved in military operations in Afghanistan, and our country facing threats from terrorists and rogue nations, cutting our defense capabilities is ill-advised. I have teamed up with House Armed Services Committee Chairman ‘Buck’ McKeon as a co-sponsor of legislation to stop defense cuts stemming from the Budget Control Act. I will continue to fully fund our military and fight any attempts to weaken our security or put our country at risk.”