Political Quotes

Robert Gates: we must reject the traditional approach of applying across-the-board cuts, the simplest and most politically expedient…

On the recordFebruary 14, 2011
we must reject the traditional approach of applying across-the-board cuts, the simplest and most politically expedient approach both inside this building and outside of it. . . . It results in a hollowing-out of the force from a lack of proper training, maintenance, and equipment. We've been there before, in the 1970s and in the 1990s.
Said by
Robert Gates
Republican · Texas

Editor's note · Context

Gates warns against across-the-board budget cuts that weaken military readiness.

Share

More from Robert Gates

May 6, 2021

The Chinese have played a lot of clips of what happened at the Capitol on January 6. And in their propaganda... have talked about how we’re in no position to advise other countries on how to govern themselves.

msnbc.com
Jun 13, 2025

Such an attack would make a nuclear-armed Iran inevitable.

nbcnews.com
Jun 18, 2020

Allies are a huge asset and in not understanding that I think is a real problem.

transcripts.cnn.com
May 17, 2025

I think that it's still a problem for the Saudis.

cbsnews.com

Other voices in this conversation