Hoyer Statement on Democrats' Alternatives to the Sequester

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today after Senate Democrats proposed their alternative to sequestration, and Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD-8) introduced a bill in the House to replace the sequester, which Congressman Hoyer co-sponsored:

"Unless Congress acts, in two weeks sequestration will take effect, severely damaging our economy and our national security. Maryland's Fifth District cannot afford the indiscriminate spending cuts imposed by sequestration, which is an irrational process that was meant to compel us to reach agreement on a long-term, comprehensive solution to the deficit.

"In the seven weeks this Congress has been in session this year, House Republicans have failed to bring a single piece of legislation to the Floor to prevent sequestration from happening.  Democrats, meanwhile have now introduced serious alternatives in both the House and the Senate that are balanced and that will avert the sequester's most painful effects.

"Every day without an agreement to replace the sequester only fuels greater uncertainty for our defense community, businesses, and families in Maryland and around the country who are unable to plan for the future. I strongly urge Speaker John Boehner and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to consider the proposals put forward by Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Senate Democrats. I urge them to begin working with Democrats to replace the sequester with a real solution that will not harm our national security or economic recovery. There is no time left to waste."