Bordallo Raises Impact on Asia-Pacific Rebalance at HASC Sequestration Hearing

Feb 13, 2013 Issues: Congressional Issues, Defense and National Security, Foreign Affairs, Military Build Up, Spending Cuts and Debt

 

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo today received testimony from Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and the Joint Chiefs of Staff at a full committee hearing held by the House Armed Services Committee on the impacts of a continuing resolution and sequestration on Department of Defense spending. The Congresswoman questioned how the Asia-Pacific rebalance would be affected should sequestration take effect in March.
 
Secretary Carter responded that the sequester would prevent the Department of Defense from mobilizing forces in a way that ensures continued peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific, emphasizing that sequestration would hamper U.S. efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery; he said the region has thrived for more than 70 years and is full of many important trading partners. General James Amos, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, also weighed in; he said the Marines remain committed to going to Guam and reducing its presence in Okinawa. He noted, however, that the impact of sequestration on the Pacific realignments would be significant.
 
“While I am pleased that the Administration remains committed to the Pacific realignments, it is incumbent on Congress to act now to find a balanced and comprehensive solution to prevent a full sequester from occurring,” said Congresswoman Bordallo. “Although it remains unclear what the exact impact would be, sequestration would impact the implementation of the military build-up on Guam. If it does occur, however, I will work to ensure that funds are prioritized and that the United States continues to honor the Guam International Agreement with our ally, Japan.
 
It is important to note that sequestration would affect all government spending, including domestic discretionary spending, with 60 percent of the cuts absorbed by DoD alone. These deep cuts would interrupt government operations and have adverse implications for federal civilian employees. It is clear through the many hearings we have already had on this topic that sequestration would have lasting effects on the readiness of our Armed Forces. Congress must act now to find an immediate and lasting solution to this problem, for the sake of our servicemembers, their families and our nation’s industrial backbone that supports defense and national security.”