Hanabusa Questions Top Navy Officials on Furloughs, Sequestration Impacts

Statement

On Tuesday, U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), member of the House Armed Services Committee, received testimony from top defense officials on the Department of the Navy's budget requests for Fiscal Year 2014. Testifying before the committee were the Honorable Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Jonathan Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations for the U.S. Navy, and General James F. Amos, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.

"I'm concerned about what I heard today. Admiral Greenert said that in addition to a $9 billion shortfall in fiscal year 2013, the Navy will face an additional $14 billion shortfall if sequestration is not repealed. Not only would that result in further reductions to operations, maintenance, and procurement, but Admiral Greenert warned that while military personnel compensation was protected from cuts this time around, they will be forced to look at options to reduce personnel, compensation, and entitlements if the sequester remains in place.

"We must find a way to deal with the impacts of sequestration and focus on repealing these indiscriminate across-the-board cuts. It is imperative that these reductions do not affect our readiness and national security. Our forces of the future should be able to look forward with confidence, not look back with regret. And let there be no mistake: part of ensuring readiness is having trained, capable, and effective personnel who are prepared to do the work it takes to keep our military operations on track.

"I would like to thank Secretary Mabus, Admiral Greenert, and General Amos for taking the time to come before the committee."

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