CENTER FOR SECURITY POLICY: POTENTIAL ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF PROPOSED DEFENSE CUTS
This press release can be viewed at: http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/p18924.xml.
Center for Security Policy Releases Reports on Potential Economic Impacts of Proposed Defense Cuts
Center for Security Policy Releases Reports on Potential Economic Impacts of Proposed Defense Cuts
Washington, DC February 1, 2012 – The Center for Security Policy today released their “Defense Breakdown Economic Impact Reports,” a collection of 2,750 online detailed reports and 51 Summary Reports presenting a “National Average” estimated economic impact from projected defense cuts, for cities, counties, states and territories.
The Center launched the reports in advance of the February 13, 2012 release of the Obama administration’s 2013 defense budget. The purpose of the “Defense Breakdown Economic Impact Reports” is to help citizens, local businesses and their employees, and local governments prepare for the economic impact of these probable defense cuts under the Budget Control Act of 2011 and the sequestration mechanism.
In 2012, President Obama limited U.S. military capability to fighting one “regional conflict” and one “holding action.” Defense budgets for 2013-2021 were cut $487 billion – a 9% cut at a minimum. “Sequestration,” required by law with passage of the Budget Control Act in 2011, mandates $500 billion more in 2013-2021 defense cuts – an 18% cut, at a minimum. President Obama has stated he will veto any attempt by Congress to reverse these cuts.
These reports shows how “National Average” defense budget reductions of at least 9% and 18% could affect cities, counties, states, congressional districts and categories of business owners (ethnic, women-owned, veteran-owned etc), using actual 2010 data for revenues received by local defense contractors. The Defense Breakdown Reports are meant to be used as a benchmark for communities to gauge the actual local economic impact of the Obama administration’s proposed defense cuts on businesses and jobs.
The summaries and online reports are available at: www.forthecommondefense.org/reports.
The Center’s “Defense Breakdown Economic Impact Reports” are part of a broader 2012 initiative, the Coalition for the Common Defense, to educate and engage the American public on the importance of maintaining a strong national defense.
Frank Gaffney, President of the Center for Security Policy remarked:
“The Center for Security Policy is very proud to provide as a member of the Coalition for the Common Defense a tool for American taxpayers and communities – and their elected representatives – to anticipate not only the national security impacts, but the economic ones, arising from impending reductions in U.S. defense spending.”
“In so doing, we are mindful that such spending is invested to secure the United States, its people and vital interests, and not as an employment measure. That said, the reality is that there will be real and, as this product illustrates, in some cases draconian impacts on both jobs in and the economies of states, counties and cities across the country and on the viability of various businesses, as a result of the direct and indirect effects of such cuts.”
“It is our hope that by bringing this information to the local employers, citizens and community and business leaders who will bear the brunt of this tsunami, they will be better able to prepare for it – and, ideally, to help stave it off.”
About the Coalition for the Common Defense
The Coalition for the Common Defense is an alliance of like-minded individuals and organizations who believe that without provision for the “common defense,” as articulated by the Founders, the freedom that has allowed unprecedented opportunity and prosperity to flourish in this country would soon be imperiled. In this new age of budgetary cuts, the Coalition rejects the false choice between military strength and economic health contending that economic prosperity depends on a strong national defense. Through a series of events and strategic partnerships, the coalition is calling on elected officials, candidates for office and others who share our commitment to the common defense to uphold these principles. We must return the United States to sensible fiscal principles without sacrificing our national security.
A full statement of principles can be located here. The Coalition of the Common Defense can be found online at www.forthecommondefense.org.
About the Center for Security Policy
The Center for Security Policy is a non-profit, non-partisan national security organization that specializes in identifying policies, actions, and resource needs that are vital to American security and then ensures that such issues are the subject of both focused, principled examination and effective action by recognized policy experts, appropriate officials, opinion leaders, and the general public.
Travis Korson tkorson@securefreedom.org (202)-719-2421 or
David Reaboi dreaboi@securefreedom.org (202) 431-1948
For more information visit www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org.
This press release can be viewed at: http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/p18924.xml.
###
Comments are closed.
