Rep. Swalwell Expresses Disappointment the Sequester Went into Effect

Statement

Congressman Eric Swalwell (CA-15) released the following statement today expressing his disappointment that the indiscriminate budget cuts known as the "sequester" were not averted:

"I am deeply disappointed that the sequester goes into effect today, setting off across-the-board budget cuts that will hurt our critical services like those for schools, public health and public safety, and research and development. Americans are rightly sick of economic crises like the sequester manufactured by Washington, and they deserve a Congress that comes together to act in ways that will help grow our economy and responsibly reduce the deficit.

"We can cut foolish spending, without foolishly cutting spending. The sequester is no doubt foolish. It takes a meat cleaver approach to the budget when we should be using a scalpel to cut waste while ensuring teachers are not laid off, children do not lose access to vaccinations, and seniors continue to receive meals. Millions of jobs and our entire economy have put at risk by this recklessness.

"I am proud to be a co-sponsor of H.R. 699, the Stop the Sequester Job Loss Now Act, which would replace indiscriminate budget cuts with a combination of smart spending reductions and additional revenue. Unfortunately, the House Republican Leadership refused to consider this or any other plan this Congress to stop the sequester from going into effect.

"We can mitigate the damage these budget cuts cause by acting without delay to replace them with a balanced approach. I stand ready to work with anyone, from either party, to move away from this senseless policy toward a thoughtful and rational approach to fiscal responsibility. It is time for Congress to politics aside and compromise to provide certainty to our economy, protect jobs, and develop a responsible budget."

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