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Representative Mike Kelly Votes to Stop Devastating Military Cuts

September 14, 2012

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) issued the following statement on his vote today in support of H.R. 6365, the National Security and Jobs Protection Act, which requires the President to submit a plan to avoid sequestration and makes clear that if the President opposes the House Republican plan, the House will work with him to achieve the goal of stopping sequestration from taking effect in January 2013:

“On the anniversary of the greatest terrorist attack on American soil, four brave American public servants were brutally murdered at the U.S. Consulate in Libya. It was a painful reminder on a day of great national mourning that the enemies of freedom remain committed to their cause of hatred and violence.

“Our nation’s response was to deploy two Navy guided missile destroyers and 50 Marines. We responded to this week’s attacks militarily because we know that it’s the United States’ military might that keeps the peace, and it is our nation’s brave men and women in uniform who carry the torch of freedom around the world while keeping those of us at home safe.

“And yet, President Obama refuses to stop the $500 billion cuts to our nation’s military that are set to take place in 111 days. According to the Secretary of Defense, these cuts will gut our military, leaving us with the smallest Army since World War II, the smallest Navy since World War I, and the smallest Air Force in U.S. history.

“Every member of the military whom we put in harm’s way deserves the best war fighting resources our grateful nation can give them. Anything less compromises their safety and undermines our constitutional duty to provide for the common defense.

“Today’s bill will require the president to come up with a plan to stop these devastating cuts and to work with us in the House to ensure the safety of our troops, while continuing America’s legacy as the world’s greatest military force and greatest force for good.”

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