Jim Banks: “Frankly, the arguments from my colleagues who oppose this amendment simply don't add up. By busting the budget caps, the…”

“Frankly, the arguments from my colleagues who oppose this amendment simply don't add up. By busting the budget caps, the nondefense programs that they are so passionately defending would face $55 billion in automatic cuts. So it seems my colleagues are willing to allow reductions in nondefense spending if they can also force reckless defense cuts that endanger national security. While that may be acceptable to those on the other side of the aisle, it is not acceptable to me. My amendment will bring spending in this division to the level needed to avoid sequestration and to protect our national security. Mr. Chairman, when I ran for this position, I promised my constituents that I would do my part to rein in Washington's spending addiction and safeguard the strength of the American military. Mr. Chair, I am proud that this amendment accomplishes both of those goals. I strongly urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Joyce), the ranking member of the subcommittee.”