Department of Defense Furloughs

Floor Speech

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise for the folks in my district being furloughed because of indecision, political gamesmanship, and the failure to act in Washington.

Our Nation has no greater asset than the folks serving our Nation, including those who make up our Department of Defense, both military and civilian alike. Their dedication and service to our Nation is unwavering. Unfortunately, those same patriots have lived for months with the uncertainty of the sequester.

Many of those who have dedicated themselves to ensuring equipment is repaired and ready for our Armed Forces are being forced to step away from their lives. Even the children of our military families will not be spared. Teachers at DOD schools are being furloughed, too.

The administration had flexibility to make other choices. Furloughs are just one of the effects of compounding budget cuts on our Nation's military, and it affects this Nation's military readiness. There are smarter solutions to our Nation's budget woes, and I voted for replacements for this shortsighted sequester.

Congress should not sit idly by. Let's fix this.

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