Hagan Questions Top Military Leaders on Programs Critical to North Carolina

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kay Hagan yesterday obtained assurance from members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that military programs critical to North Carolina will remain top priorities in the face of sequestration budget cuts. During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Hagan questioned Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, and Vice-Chairman, Admiral James Winnefeld, on the effects sequestration will have on the F-35B stealth aircraft and special operations forces (SOF).

"Just this week, I visited Cherry Point to welcome the arrival of the F-35B stealth aircraft and saw firsthand how critical these planes are to the future of Marine aviation as well the local community," said Hagan. "I fought to bring the F-35B to Cherry Point, and the fact that the military is moving forward with development and production of more of these planes is good news for North Carolina."

Hagan spoke on Monday at the induction ceremony for the first F-35B Lightning II at Cherry Point. The 5th generation F-35B is the world's first supersonic short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) stealth aircraft and provides unprecedented multimission capabilities. Fleet Readiness Center-East at Cherry Point will conduct maintenance on these aircrafts, and Hagan fought to ensure FRC-East would get this critical assignment that is an economic boost for the region.

In the hearing, Hagan also addressed budget cuts to special operations forces. The previous two Quadrennial Defense Reviews (QDRs) have mandated significant growth in SOF to maintain military readiness. Military leaders informed Hagan that funding for these forces was not likely to be reduced. However, spending would level off rather than increase, which could threaten SOF capabilities.

"Special operations forces are some of the most highly trained and mission critical soldiers in our military," said Hagan. "While the special operations forces at Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune may not see the same funding cuts as other military programs, I remain concerned that without sustained growth of these critical units, we are hampering the capabilites of our military and will not be adequately prepared for future conflicts."

Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune, two of the largest military bases in the country, are both home to a significant number of special operations units, as well as the military and civilian personnel who support their operations.

"North Carolina is the most military friendly state in the nation, and I am deeply concerned that some in Washington, DC underestimate the impact of sequestration on not only our civilian workforce, but the readiness of our troops and modernization of our military capabilities," said Hagan. "I am committed to working with my colleagues from both parties to ensure America's fighting forces are not the victims of Washington gridlock."

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