Sequestration---The Fear of the Unknown
Sequestration—The Fear of the Unknown. Last week 3 local members of congress meet with local citizens’ and discussed the effect of the possible sequestration, on the Nation and the local economy. This was the first stop on a Nation tour that Congressman Forbes calls “Defending Our Defenders”. The purpose of the tour is to make citizens aware of how sequestration, “Would Cripple Security” and could also cripple the local economy. There has been some talk in Congress about possible changes to prevent sequestration, which is presently scheduled to take effect in January. This would cause an additional 500 Billion cut in the DOD budget, the present FY 2013 budget starts a planned $487 billion reduction over 10 years in DOD funding. In a special Roll Call article (May 17) Forbes states that sequestration “will have a crippling effect on our Nations Armed Forces, specifically the ability to provide our National Security”. He quoted Secretary of Defense Panetta who said “catastrophic to our nation’s military and that by allowing the cuts to go through we’d be shooting ourselves in the foot”. During the meeting specifics were discussed concerning the impact to the Nation and the local economy. Forbes stated the purpose of the tour, was to show “what the repercussions of the cuts actually will cause”.
Locally, although unknown, there would be a big negative impact. The size of the Navy, ships (including CVN’s) and squadrons would be reduced and the DOD new switch to 60% of the forces west and 40% east, the local impact could be great. Forbes is concerned, let’s hope cooler heads prevail.
What we do know, is congress is working on the FY 2013 budget, the house passed their version of the budget with an increase of 4 billion over the requested DOD budget. (Locally the house keep USS Anzio active). (During the Forbes meeting the delegation said they were not opposed to trimming defense spending---however, they voted for the increase in the FY 2013 DOD budget)
This week the Senate Armed Services committee is drafting the Defense authorization Bill. There is a good chance the senate will propose a DOD budget much closer to the proposed DOD budget, with no increases. (Report due out tomorrow, conference committee will work out differences.)
Unknowns YES, but we know local losses—1 CVN, 4 FFG’s, 3 DDG’s, 3 Amphibs, and an Air Wing Staff and 2 squadrons. (regardless of budget decisions)



