Military Going Over The Fiscal Cliff: Panetta Memo Describes Implications
While many remain hopeful that Congress and the administration will reach a deal that avoids sequestration, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has issued a memo describing the potential implications of going over the fiscal cliff.
Planning for the effects of an across-the-board cut in defense spending as part of the Budget Reduction Act of 2011 “is only prudent,” said DOD officials. Under the law, the reductions are due to take place Jan. 2, 2013.
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta
Credit: Department of Defense
Panetta said it is too early to assess what effects sequestration will have. He did say that it will not affect military personnel or military end strength as President Barack Obama announced his intent to exempt the military personnel accounts from sequestration last summer.
The secretary did clarify the potential implications of sequestration in his memo.
“If it occurs, sequestration will reduce our budgetary resources for the remainder of the fiscal year,” the memo says. “These cuts, while significant and harmful to our collective mission as an agency, would not necessarily require immediate reductions in spending.”
There is no threat of a government shutdown because of sequestration, Panetta said in the memo.
“Everyone will show up for work on January 3, 2013, and continue to drive on,” said Army Lt. Col. Elizabeth Robbins, a Pentagon spokeswoman.
The memo states that there will be no immediate civilian personnel actions such as furloughs.
“Should we have to operate under reduced funding levels for an extended period of time, we may have to consider furloughs or other actions in the future,” Panetta said in the memo. “But let me assure you that we will carefully examine other options to reduce costs within the agency before taking such actions.”
If the department does need to take these actions, affected employees will receive all appropriate notifications, the secretary noted.
The Defense Department is already reducing its budget by $487 billion over 10 years. The Budget Control Act calls for a further $500 billion in cuts at DOD unless Congress and the administration pass a new law averting it.
“Sequestration was never intended to be implemented and there is no reason why both sides should not be able to come together and prevent this scenario,” Panetta wrote.
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Biographies:
Leon E. Panetta
Related Sites:
Sequestration Memo
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, But it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes:
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity.
Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins.
Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system.
Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome.
Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function.
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules. Today Be 100% Satisfied Or Receive A Full Money Back Guarantee Order Yours Today By Following This Link.