Rep. Takano Sends Letter to Speaker Boehner Expressing Concerns Regarding Sequestration and Urges Action

Washington DC – Earlier today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) sent a letter to Speaker Boehner and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor expressing his concerns regarding sequestrations.

 

The cuts, due to take affect March 1, have been estimated to cost the national economy over 1 million jobs this year.

 

Although Members of Congress returned to Washington this week, the House of Representatives has not scheduled anytime for legislation that would avoid the sequester.

 

 

 

The Honorable John Boehner

Speaker of the House

United States House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. 20515

 

Dear Speaker Boehner:

 

As we approach the March 1st deadline for sequestration, I write to express my deep concern regarding the impact that the across-the-board cuts will have on our fragile economy, placing more than 2 million jobs at stake. The sequester hits especially close to home for me because of the serious implications it has for operations at March Air Reserve Base – the largest Air Reserve Base in the country – which is located in my district. I ask the House Republican Leadership to put aside partisan politics and develop a budgetary solution that will allow us to avoid the sequester.

 

March is home to the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, the 163rd Air Refueling Wing, and Guardsmen, reservists, and active duty personnel from every branch of the military. The base is the largest employer in my district, with roughly 8,500 servicemembers and civilians, and has a yearly economic impact on the region of approximately $500 million.

 

If sequestration is triggered, it will have a devastating impact on March. The base will see a reduction of training flight hours by up to 18 percent, leading to the degradation of key capabilities and reduced readiness. Furthermore, military construction will come to a halt, preventing much needed upgrades to facilities that are already aging and in disrepair. Finally, civilian employees will likely face furlough, effecting the livelihood of them and their families.

 

I find it unacceptable that Congress is willing to play politics with our nation’s defense and the well-being of our military and civilian personnel who serve this country. I strongly urge the House Republican Leadership to develop a solution that can pass both Chambers of Congress in order to avoid sequestration and the harm it would do to our economic recovery.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

                                                Mark Takano

                                                Member of Congress

 

cc: The Honorable Eric Cantor

      Majority Leader of the House

      United States of Representatives

      Washington, DC 20515