AFSA International Legislative Committee Bulletin 2011-028

November 22, 2011 (“Super Committee” fails to reach an agreement; sequestration next?  Bulletin below provided by Div #12 Trustee Ret CMSgt Jim Lokovic);

 Super Committee Fails.  Sequestration Coming?  As expected, the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, a.k.a. the “Super Committee,” made up of six Republicans and six Democrats, failed to agree on a plan on how to cut $1.2 trillion over 10 years, starting in January 2013.  While both sides express disappointment (and blame each other), the ramification (in accordance with August 2011 legislation) is that the cuts will be made across the board (through a process known as sequestration)—with half coming from Defense.  As reported in the past, Defense Secretary Panetta has said such cuts would be devastating, especial since the August legislation has already “cost” Defense $450 billion in programmed budget cuts.  He said yesterday, “. . .  as Secretary of Defense, my primary responsibility is to protect the security of the nation.  The half-trillion in additional cuts demanded by sequester would lead to a hollow force incapable of sustaining the missions it is assigned.  If implemented, sequester would also jeopardize our ability to provide our troops and their families with the benefits and the support they have been promised.  Our troops deserve better, and our nation demands better.”  House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon, R-Calif., echoed Secretary Panetta in saying yesterday, “Unfortunately, America’s military is facing cuts that will devastate the armed forces and force us to break faith with service members.  I do not accept that outcome. . . I will not let these sequestration cuts stand.”   Senator John McCain and others have said they will soon introduce legislation to eliminate Defense accounts from such large-scale sequestration.  However, in response to the Super Committee’s failure to reach a compromise, President Obama said, in part, “My message to them is simple:  No.  I will veto any effort to get rid of those automatic spending cuts to domestic and defense spending.  There will be no easy off ramps on this one.”  It is important to keep in mind that President Obama can veto any legislation that is introduced prior to January 2013—even if he loses election in November—and since the Senate is essentially in lock step with the Administration on nearly every issue, a veto override is extremely unlikely.  An override would require a two-thirds majority in each chamber of Congress.  However, since each seat in the House and one-third of the Senate seats face re-election in November, anything is possible.  Those interested can read the President’s entire statement at:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/11/21/statement-president-supercommittee

 (end)