Congressman Garamendi Releases a Comprehensive Breakdown of Defense Savings Supported by Bipartisan Defense Experts
WASHINGTON, DC – At Thursday's House Armed Services Committee hearing on "The Future of National Defense and the U.S. Military Ten Years After 9/11," Committee Member Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA) mentioned a matrix his office compiled of proposed Defense savings offered by experts across the political spectrum. Today Congressman Garamendi released the list to the public at the request of both Republican and Democratic Members of Congress and staff.
"Congress will have some tough choices to make in the weeks ahead, and clearly Defense spending is on the table. This matrix of possible Defense Department savings is compiled from proposals made by Think Tanks ranging from the far right to the center and the far left. It can help us find responsible defense savings to reduce the deficit while ensuring America's national security," Congressman Garamendi said.
Garamendi added, "Safeguarding the sustainability of our nation's prosperity and security, while remaining true to the values that characterize us as Americans, calls for a focused, disciplined, and agile military. It also requires a strong and unshakeable economy and a well-informed and supportive citizenry."
"We in Congress have a responsibility to be good stewards of the public trust, treasury, and national defense," Garamendi continued. "I am not suggesting I support all these proposals. I do, however, want to make sure we use the best available information to make strategic budget choices that will strengthen our nation's prosperity and security."
The matrix is available here. Recommendations analyzed include reports from the Sustainable Defense Task Force, Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK)'s Back in Black Plan, the Center for American Progress, the CATO Institute’s A Strategy of Restraint, the Simpson-Bowles Deficit Reduction Commission, and The Center for a New American Security.