Thursday, July 11, 2013

U.S. Defense Secretary Hagel Warns Congress On What Will Be The Impact If A New Round Of Budget Cuts Occur

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel urged Congress in a July 10 letter to pass a 'balanced deficit reduction package' to replace 'deep and arbitrary cuts.' (Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo/Defense Department)

Hagel: Future Budget Cuts Could Kill Recruiting, Weapons -- USA Today

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon faces "draconian actions," including civilian layoffs and suspension of military recruiting, if automatic budget cuts continue into 2014, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel warned in a letter to Senate leaders.

Military training and weapons buying would also suffer if the Pentagon has to absorb an additional $52 billion in budget cuts, according to Hagel. The automatic cuts, known as sequestration, began March 1 when the White House and Congress failed to reach a deal on the nation's long-term debt.

"If the cuts continue, the (Pentagon) will have to make sharp cuts with far-reaching consequences, including limiting combat power, reducing readiness and undermining the national security interests of the United States," Hagel wrote to Sens. Carl Levin and James Inhofe, the top Democrat and Republican on the Armed Services Committee.

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More News On The Pentagon Chief's Warnings On Future Defense Budget Cuts

Hagel warns lawmakers about effects of Pentagon budget cuts in 2014 -- Washington Post
Pentagon chief says draconian steps would be needed to meet cuts -- Reuters
Hagel warns Congress of drastic US defense cuts in '14 -- AFP
Hagel Outlines ‘Abrupt, Deep’ Cuts of $52 Billion for 2014 -- SFGate/Bloomberg
Hagel: Fix sequester or military will have "serious damage" -- CBS News
Pentagon says promotions, bonuses may cease under budget cuts -- Washington Times
Hagel Details Defense ‘Plan B’ if Sequestration Continues -- US Department of Defense
Sequestration Could Chop $33B from DoD Investments -- Defense News
DOD lays out cutbacks needed if sequestration persists -- Stars and Stripes
Hagel: 2014 budget cuts could halt accessions, freeze promotions -- Navy Times

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