Van Hollen Statement on the DOD Strategic Choices Management Review

Statement

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement on the Department of Defense's (DOD) Strategic Choices and Management Review:

"Today's report from the Department of Defense is a clear indication that we must act immediately to replace the entire sequester -- these deep and immediate cuts are obviously hurting our military personnel, readiness, and strength, as well as job creation and America's ability to succeed.

"We need an Armed Forces that has the resources necessary to execute their mission, and a budget that makes key investments to sharpen our competitive edge and strengthen our economy. By refusing to replace the sequester, House Republicans are undermining these national priorities. They are once again protecting tax breaks for millionaires at the expense of everyone and everything else.

"House Democrats have offered a plan to replace the sequester seven times, and each time we have been denied a vote on the House floor. Unless we act, the sequester will continue to eat away at our nation's security and success. We should immediately go to a budget conference to negotiate a final budget deal. The Senate passed a budget over 100 days ago, but Speaker Boehner refuses to appoint conferees. It is time for Congressional Republicans to stop blocking progress on this critical issue."

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