Cuts We Can't Afford in The Military

Heritage Foundation: During the foreign policy debate, President Obama surprised the audience with the statement that sequestration "will not happen." Either this was a gaffe or he pulled off the next deft move in the political/legislative sequestration battle. Find out why these cuts would be devastating to our military: heritage.org/ProtectAmerica

There are efficiencies that can be wrung from the defense budget, but the sequestration cuts are not the right way to get them. The inordinate cuts (47 percent of the total cuts under sequestration come from defense, which is less than 20 percent of government spending) should be offset with cuts to other spending.

For example, entitlement programs are by far the largest and fastest-growing portion of the budget, yet they are essentially untouched by the Budget Control Act and sequestration. Most other spending has grown across the board and should also be brought under control. In short, there are plenty of places that need reductions. But harmful tax hikes are not the answer, regardless of how much Obama and Reid want them.

An adult answer should be developed through a real bipartisan effort to address the needs of the nation for the common defense and for fiscal health. Thus far, there has been much political, verbal, and public relations maneuvering but little willingness on the part of the White House and Senate leadership to have a productive discussion.

The President seems to want to have his cake and eat it, too. His flipping during the debate—and flopping back as soon as the microphones are off — is unhelpful.

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Tags: U.S Military, Budget Control Act, sequestration, cuts we can't afford, President Obama, the military, Heritage Foundation To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!