OK Delegation United Against Defense Cuts
April 6, 2009
OK Delegation United Against Defense Cuts
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Oklahoma's Congressional delegation said today they stand united against the administration’s proposed massive cuts to the defense budget and pledged to work together to ensure Congress does not allow them to take effect.
Senator Jim Inhofe: a Senior Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee:
“President Obama’s intention to gut our nation’s military will deal a powerful blow to our national and economic security as well as the future readiness of our forces. It is reprehensible to think that that, during a time in which we spend billions of dollars to fund counterproductive stimulus programs and line the pockets of corporate executives, the only proposed spending cut in the President’s budget is to the defense programs that were created to ensure the safety of the American people. Expectations for our military steadily increase yet the administration refuses to adequately equip our military to fight our nation’s wars . Today, the Secretary of Defense announced a broad range of cuts to the DoD’s budget, including all eight of the ground vehicle systems in the Army’s Future Combat System (FCS) program. One of the eight vehicles is the Non Line of Site Canon (NLOS-C), slated for integration in Elgin, OK. It’s unimaginable that we could let our Army continue to use the Paladin howitzer, a combat vehicle in service for fifty years. Sadly, the modernization of our Army is a ‘can that was kicked down the road’ today, yet again. Our Soldiers deserve better than that.
In the upcoming weeks and months, I will be working hand and hand with the entire Oklahoma delegation to stand up for our men and women in uniform and ensure our government provides them the best support and equipment possible. That is our primary responsibility. I pledge to you that I will do everything I can to fight these cuts, and work to ensure our men and women fighting today have the tools and resources necessary to win the War on Terror.”
Congressman Tom Cole:
"While President Obama's short changing of America's Armed Forces is deeply disappointing, it is - unfortunately - not a surprise. Throughout his campaign and during his short tenure as President, he has made it clear that he believes his charm and eloquence are adequate substitutes for a strong military. That will not work. Whether President Obama knows it or not, President Bush's foreign enemies were also America's enemies. He cannot charm them out of their opposition to our country. The cuts announced today, however, take that naivete to a dangerous new level. I intend to do everything I can to make sure they do not actually occur."
Congressman Dan Boren, member of the House Armed Services Committee:
“The administration’s announcement today of sweeping changes to key defense programs is a significant concern. Even in tough economic times, providing a strong national defense for the American people should remain a top priority of the federal government. As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I am keenly aware of the range of persistent threats we face from international terrorist groups and from some nations. Next year’s defense budget must provide adequate funding for critical programs that are designed to deter and defeat threats to our national security. Most importantly, as we transition U.S. troops home from Iraq and increase the number of forces in Afghanistan, it is important that we empower our military commanders by providing the resources they need. I hope the new administration will keep these realities firmly in mind as it finalizes its budgetary recommendations to Congress.”
Congressman Mary Fallin, member of the House Armed Services Committee:
“President Obama’s military budget cuts reflect misplaced priorities and a sense of naïveté we can ill-afford. With the United States fighting two wars and threats growing from rogue nations like Iran and North Korea, now is not the time to pull the rug out from under our armed services.
“The unwillingness of this administration to adequately fund the military is especially striking given the record deficits it has racked up in the last three months alone. Given that the president has been willing to spend a fortune on dramatically increasing the size and scope of government, it is mindboggling that he cannot also support giving the Pentagon the budget it needs to adequately protect this country. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will do everything in my power to make sure these cuts do not become a reality and our military gets the funding it needs.”
Congressman John Sullivan:
“Defense cuts like this make you question the Obama administration’s spending priorities. While the administration is socializing business and spending by the trillions, they want to cut spending that is essential to the safety of our homeland. Our service men and women make sacrifices every day for the safety and freedom of all Americans, and Congress must continue to ensure they have the tools they need to do their job. I will steadfastly oppose any attempts to weaken our nation’s military readiness both home and abroad.”
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