Hoyer Statement on President Obama's Remarks on Averting the Sequester

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today after President Obama's remarks calling on Congress to immediately avert the sequester:

“Today, President Obama warned of the serious consequences to our economy and national security if Congress fails to compromise and prevent the automatic budget cuts known as sequestration. Sequestration is an arbitrary, irrational policy that was intended to bring both sides to the table. Unfortunately, House Republicans, who control the Floor, have refused to bring an alternative to sequestration to the Floor for a vote.

“Unless this posture changes, Maryland’s Fifth District will experience the harmful consequences of these irrational spending cuts. Our military installations will be unable to conduct operations, our federal civilian workforce will be furloughed, our first responders will lose much-needed personnel, and we will see important investments in education, small businesses, infrastructure, research, and innovation cut drastically. Our families and businesses here in Maryland cannot afford inaction

“I have called on Speaker John Boehner and Leader Eric Cantor to return the House to session right away and come back to the negotiating table so we can forge a balanced agreement to replace the sequester or delay its implementation as negotiations for a larger agreement continue. There is no time to waste.”