Wicker Pushes for Action to Address Defense Cuts Mandated by Sequestration

New study finds more than 11,000 Mississippi jobs at risk

July 17, 2012

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today urged Senate leaders to address the looming spending cuts that are mandated by sequestration.  Under the law, defense spending would be reduced by $492 billion over ten years.  The cuts are set to take effect on Jan. 3, 2013, and could threaten more than 1 million jobs nationwide.  

A report released today by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) estimates more than 11,000 jobs in Mississippi could be lost if sequestration is implemented without changes.

“The sequestration cuts would be devastating to our military readiness, and they put thousands of jobs at risk,” said Wicker, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee.  “Addressing sequestration should be our number-one priority, and we should act before the August break.  I will oppose adjournment if we have not answered the sequestration issue by then.”

Sequestration cuts were mandated by the Budget Control Act, which was enacted last year.  The law required immediate spending reductions and created a Select Committee that was tasked with finding at least an additional $1.5 trillion in savings.  Failure of that committee to produce a bipartisan plan triggered the sequestration cuts.

Wicker recently authored an Op-ed in Defense News, highlighting the impact the cuts could have on America’s military and the Navy in particular.  He also discussed sequestration on Fox News on Sunday, which can be seen here.

More information on the AIA report can be found at www.secondtonone.org or by clicking here.

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