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Congressman Garamendi’s Statement on Sequestration

February 15, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House of Representatives’ Republican Leadership refused to address the impending dangerous across-the-board and arbitrary automatic cuts, known as sequestration, with a serious proposal before adjourning for recess. Meanwhile, Democrats in the House and the Senate have and will continue to propose balanced plans that would avoid the damage that sequestration would have on America’s economy and our middle class. In light of these events and the potential impact for his district, Congressman Garamendi (D-Fairfield) issued the following statement:
“America faces enough real challenges without the persistent barrage of manufactured crises. It is time to end the sequestration threat to our communities. The mindless unfocused cuts in sequestration would eliminate civilian jobs at Beale and Travis Air Force Bases and put national security, research, and college affordability on an uncertain footing.
“We need a thoughtful and wise approach to the deficit. We need a balanced solution combining smart cuts and smart revenues – an approach that reduces the deficit by growing the economy, not contracting it. I hope such a proposal will be taken up on the House Floor as soon as possible.
“Targeted focused cuts are appropriate and necessary, but they must be thoughtful and must avoid needless harm to our communities or our security. I hope that Speaker Boehner will allow a vote for an alternative to cliff jumping. I’ve already voted twice for difficult compromises that would have prevented sequestration. For the good of our nation, I’m prepared to do so again.”
Congressman Garamendi’s Office compiled the following information on the impact to the District’s Air Force Bases:
As a result of sequestration, flying hours and weapon system sustainment would be reduced by 18% causing a decrease in aircraft availability. Travis AFB has approximately 3,200 civilian employee that could be furloughed for up to 22 days. This would result in $30 million in lost pay and 574,288 hours of lost productivity. Those civilians that are temporary or part-time could be terminated. Beale AFB has approximately 1,400 civilians subject to the same as a result of sequestration. This would result in $13 million in lost pay and 262,944 hours of lost productivity. In addition to the impact on the missions and civilian personnel at Travis and Beale, sequestration will result in $2.8 million in facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization projects to be deferred or cancelled at Travis AFB and $1.3 million at Beale AFB.
Information on the impact of sequestration on our nation is available in this report from the White House and this from the Appropriations Committee’s Ranking Member.