Washington, Nov 18, 2011 - Today, Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) released the following statement regarding defense spending cuts that could negatively impact Fort Bliss:

"Significant cuts to the Department of Defense could certainly have a negative impact on Fort Bliss and every other military installation.  If the so-called Super Committee fails to come to an agreement on how to meet deficit reductions targets, the process of sequestration as mandated by the Budget Control Act, will force automatic cuts to defense and other programs beginning in January 2013.

"I continue to be astounded by the irrational refusal of some in Congress to even consider raising a single dime of revenue needed to pay our nation's bills through increased taxes. Since the Wall Street collapse that brought down our economy, we have seen the gap between the ultra rich and average Americans grow, and more and more families are facing unemployment, foreclosures and financial crisis.

"We simply cannot afford to maintain the Bush tax cuts, and all Americans should equally share the burden of bringing our budget back to balance.  We cannot allow Congressional Republicans’ to balance the country’s budget on the backs of our nation's military, seniors, and working families."