ICYMI: Wilson Attends Press Conference on Morning of Sequestration Implementation
(Washington, DC) - In order to show his support for finding a replacement for the drastic budget cuts that went into effect today, Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) attended a press conference this morning hosted by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon to address sequestration. His remarks are listed below.
"As a 31 year veteran of the Army National Guard, I want to thank Chairman Buck McKeon for his extraordinary leadership on behalf of a strong national defense. We're here today as this is the third round of budget cuts on the Defense Department. Under Secretary Gates, there was a $100 billion reduction that was followed by a $487 bill deduction in defense spending. Today begins ultimately the possibility of $600 billion in cuts. The American people need to know that these are targeted. The Defense budget is at best 18% of the budget, but 50% of these cuts will be applied to defense.
"Additionally, the American people need to know that our defenses are at a low point. We will have the fewest troops since 1939 in the Army and Marine Corps, the fewest ships since 1916 (Navy), and the fewest aircraft since the Air Force was created in 1947. We already see Gallup has conducted a survey indicating that the confidence of the American people in our national security is at an all-time low since the questions were first asked in 1993. I am very hopeful that we can come together on addressing these issues. We know that the policies of defense that work are peace through strength and I hope the President will change his policies and recognize how important it is to have peace through strength and not a circumstance of attack through weakness."