Rodney Frelinghuysen: “I join with the ranking member in opposing this amendment. The current allocation for defense is already $14.8 billion…”

“I join with the ranking member in opposing this amendment. The current allocation for defense is already $14.8 billion below the fiscal year 2011 request, an almost 3 percent reduction; and of course our committee wants to help to address the Federal deficit, too, as do other committees. Further, arbitrary reductions, especially of this magnitude of over $23.5 billion, will basically bring the Department of Defense to a grinding halt, perhaps one beyond what is reasonable. Specifically, the amendment would require reducing and canceling training for returning troops; canceling Navy training exercises; reducing Air Force flight training; delaying or canceling the maintenance of aircraft, ships or vehicles; delaying important safety and quality-of-life repairs to facilities and military barracks. At a time of war, we should be showing support for our troops and not undercutting them, even though for good reasons, in order to lower the Federal deficit by making reductions of this amount.”