Trade Group Warns Big Defense Cuts Worsen EconomyJuly 15, 2011
Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) president Marion Blakey warned House Speaker John Boehner in a letter that deep cuts to the Pentagon's budget would exacerbate the country's already troubled economy. The letter, first reported by The Hill, comes at a time when the White House and Congress are sparring over raising the nation's debt limit. While President Obama has targeted $400 billion in Defense spending cuts by 2023, some Republicans are asking for $700 billion in cuts over a decade, industry sources told The Hill. Blakey's letter notes: “Deeply cutting defense during these tough economic times could make our nation's fiscal and broader economic situation even worse.” It also points out that “major cuts to defense would create further layoffs, and great uncertainty for them and their families, and undercut economic gains.” Blakey also suggested that defense and aerospace workers be shielded from cuts because the industry makes up “the manufacturing and economic backbone of our country.” She noted that AIA members “understand the unique national security threats posed by skyrocketing debt,” but added that the trade group believes “those threats will only be compounded if funding for the Department of Defense is cut precipitously during this critical stage of budget reduction negotiations.” Blakey advised the House Speaker to allow the Pentagon to make the necessary cuts. “Any cuts to defense must be generated in a careful and thoughtful manner, guided by our military leaders. She asked that the national security review suggested by former Defense Secretary Robert Gates be completed before any cuts. The review “will help guide our nation's future force structure and ensure that we have the capability required to protect our nation and its citizens.... No action should be taken to cut defense until that review has been completed.” |
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