WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement regarding military furloughs issued by the Department of Defense that will affect at least 5,600 Mississippians serving in the U.S. military:

“It is unconscionable that the Obama Administration is issuing furloughs to the brave men and women who protect our nation instead of cutting wasteful spending. There is no doubt our country’s national and economic security depends on reducing high levels of federal debt. However, it is imperative that we not compromise the readiness of our brave men and women in uniform.

“The Senate Armed Services Committee will soon begin consideration of the 2014 Defense Authorization Bill. I will use that opportunity to protect our troops in Mississippi from unwarranted furloughs and strengthen our national security posture.”

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