Ellen Tauscher: “I strongly support the Blue Dog Budget offered by my friend Mr. Stenholm. Not only does it balance the budget by 2012…”

“I strongly support the Blue Dog Budget offered by my friend Mr. Stenholm. Not only does it balance the budget by 2012, it also provides funds to sustain the Army as it transforms to meet a wide array of challenges. The administration's idea that it's okay to pay for predicted, long-term military operations and plans to increase the size of the Army out of a so-called 'emergency supplemental' that will not even be requested until next January is irresponsible. This has two negative consequences: By not funding these crucial activities in the regular budget, we risk undermining military readiness between the period when the Army runs out of money and the next supplemental passes. And, by not funding regular military expenses in the defense bill, the Pentagon is essentially getting a high interest credit card to avoid making responsible budget choices today. As you know, the Army is undertaking its most significant transformation in fifty years while simultaneously trying to meet the challenges of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the war on terror and new threats to the United States and to our allies. Because of the Pentagon's incorrect initial assessment of the force size needed to stabilize Iraq, Reservists and Guard Members are on duty more often and for longer periods of time and our active duty force is severely strained.”