Jul 6

Written by:
7/6/2012 3:12 PM 

Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce, Alexandria, Louisiana, July 6, 2012 -- As the August Congressional Recess nears, it is critically important for members of teh Chamber to put "sequestration" at the top of the list of priorities to discuss with our U.S. Senators and members of the U.S. House. Sequestration is the process triggering automatic, across the board budget cuts contained in the Budget Control Act of 2011. Unless prior Congressional action is taken, sequestration will occur, beginning on January 2, 2013.  The consensus among Louisiana's Congressional delegation is that sequestration is a certainty.

Sequestration would have a huge negative impact on the Department of Defense Budget.  On top of $487 billion that will be cut out of defense spending over ten years, another $492 billion will be cut beginning on January 2, 2013. Some Congressional leaders say the additional cut will be primarily aimed at defense contractors, others say the cuts will extend to weapons, installations and troop strength.  

Sequestration is of great concern regarding Fort Polk.  The first $487 billion cut (over ten years) is eliminating eight combat brigades, two in Europe and six more stateside.  The Army has not announced which six, but Fort Polk's 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (half of the post strength) is still a possible cut as one of four brigades of a division. 

Military experts say that sequestration will "without a doubt" result in the reduction of additional brigades within the Army.  The Air Force and Navy will probably reduce expensive weapons and equipment programs, but traditionally, the Army saves by reducing bases and soldiers. 

U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu and Fort Polk Progress officials are meeting with the Commander of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command and other Army official during the next several weeks.  Senator Landrieu will discuss he investments that she has approved, totaling $1 billion over the last six years, in Military Construction at Fort Polk, plus the land acquisition and make sure the Army understands the capabilities and the push back it will get for any reductions in force at Fort Polk.  In addition, the delegation hopes to set the stage for the Army to request the $200 million needed at Fort Polk to build permanent structures for the 162nd Infantry Brigade's mission.

Call to Action!!
The biggest battles for the survival of not only of Fort Polk but to hold the soldier population at the 9,900 have just begun. It is critically important for the surrounding communities to redouble efforts as effective advocates for sustaining and growing Fort Polk.

Impact to Other Agencies
Sequestration has different consequences for different agencies.  Education funding for states would be reduced.  For example, if an omnibus appropriations bill or continuing resolution passed this fall maintaining current spending levels of $14.5 billion for Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, sequestration would trigger a 9% cut on January 2, 2013.  This would mean that $1.3 billion less would be disbursed to the states.

Please read article by Scott Lilly for more information about how sequestration will work.

Sequestration Threatens Tech Firms, DoD Contractors and National Security