Bishop, Gen. Wolfenbarger Support Funding to Ease Defense Aspect of Sequestration

Press Release

This week, the Ogden Standard Examiner published "Sequestration impacts our mission, people, and bases," an editorial authored by Air Force General Janet C. Wolfenbarger. Congressman Rob Bishop (UT-01) today lauded General Janet C. Wolfenbarger's proactive outreach to Utah's Hill Air Force Base community regarding the impending impact from sequestration. Bishop, who opposed the Budget Control Act for its defense sequester provision, was pleased that General Wolfenbarger recognized the House of Representative's recent action to pass a Continuing Budget Resolution, which included funding to help offset the defense aspect of sequestration and ease the impact on personnel.

"If the House of Representatives Fiscal Year 2013 budget bill becomes law, its impact on sequestration translates into taking a step toward more regular order and removes uncertainty associated with the budget environment to date for this fiscal year," Gen. Janet C. Wolfenbarger. [link]

The House passed version of the Continuing Resolution (CR) includes funding for Military Personnel and Pay, Defense Health and Military Family Programs, and Operation and Maintenance, amongst many other things. Included in the Operations and Maintenance portion of the bill, is $10.4 billion meant to help offset the defense aspect of sequestration by assisting readiness programs, equipment and facility maintenance, as well as base operations.

"I'm grateful General Wolfenbarger pointed out the benefits of the House bill. I support the House passed CR, which takes steps to protect vital components of our national defense and would help alleviate the burden of sequestration on personnel. The Senate is considering their version of the CR and it is my hope that they too will prioritize national defense by including the same operations and maintenance funding found in the House version. I hope the Senate does the right thing because the consequence of inaction is far too grave," said Bishop.

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