Rockefeller Statement on Senate Vote to End Across the Board Cuts

Statement

Senator Jay Rockefeller today issued the following statement after the Senate voted against bills to end across-the-board cuts in federal spending, known as the sequester, which will begin on March 1.

"Today's inaction is deeply disappointing. West Virginians expect more out of Washington, and they deserve more than sloppy, unnecessary cuts that could cost jobs and services. I voted for a responsible bill to stop these across-the-board cuts from happening this year. The bill would have replaced them with smart, targeted spending reductions that close corporate tax loopholes and stop wasteful subsidies while also protecting families just trying to get by. Regrettably, this balanced proposal didn't pass. I'm hopeful that both sides will come together and reach a compromise so we can avoid losing 750,000 American jobs after these cuts take place. While the full effects won't be felt immediately, the collective impact will hurt our economy, families, and businesses -- and that just shouldn't be an option."

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