Sequestration Still a Hot Topic among Senior Leaders

Just as the old saying goes, “those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” As for the Department of Defense (DoD), sequestration is that historical event from which we all must learn. On February 25, 2016 Secretary of Defense Ash Carter addressed the House Appropriations Committee-Defense regarding the fiscal year (FY) 2017 Budget Request. He spoke about the warfighter, investments in Europe and elsewhere, and potential future threats worldwide.

Despite the significant issues that Secretary Carter addressed, he pointed to the greatest risk of all to the DoD… sequestration. He said, “The greatest risk we face in the Department of Defense, DoD, is losing that [budget deal] stability this year, and having uncertainty and sequester and caps in future years. That’s why going forward, the biggest concern to us strategically is Congress averting the return of sequestration next year so we can sustain all these critical investments over time.”

The message was clear: DoD cannot afford another round of sequestration. A sequester would limit the momentum gained from the Bipartisan Budget Act, stretch across all military services including family programs, and result in billions of dollars of budget reductions. It is with great hope that by proactively addressing these sequestration concerns, we can somehow learn from the past to make a brighter future.

For a copy of the opening statement made by Secretary Carter, please click here.