Shaun Donovan: “It was clear that the road to recovery would be long and difficult. But if you know anything about the people from this…”

I would really describe [sequestration], in many cases, as mindless austerity, cutting just simply straight across the budget without reflecting, really, which are the critical investments.

I want to begin by remembering that last week on the 1-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, our Nation paused to remember all those who lost their homes, their businesses, and, most tragically, lost their lives.

Not only have we seen the slowest growth in healthcare costs over the last 3 years that we have seen in 50 years, but the budget goes farther.

We cannot afford a return to mindless austerity.