Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Aurora, proposed an alternative to the defense part of the sequester that actually chops more money, but does it in a way, he says, that preserves national defense.
WASHINGTON — Rep. Mike Coffman introduced an alternative to the “sequester” this week that actually increases the level of cuts to defense but does it in a way he says won’t harm national security.
His bill, introduced this week, would pare $500 billion — or $50 billion a year — from the defense spending budget over 10 years. The current sequester, if enacted, would cut about $42.5 billion the first year.
His proposal includes:
-Giving Pentagon leaders discretion to cut $15 billion a year. “Pentagon leadership will be required to use their expertise, and the advice and expertise available to them from entities such as the Defense Business Board.”
-Transferring 65,000 active duty soldiers and Marines to the National Guard and Reserve, respectively. This will be a return ground forces to pre-9/11 numbers.
-Trimming the civilian workforce from 800,000 to 700,000 over the next decade.
-Cutting the number of troops in Europe.
Coffman, R-Aurora, is an outspoken Republican on the House Armed Services Committee and has pushed for cuts to defense spending since he took office.
It was unclear whether Coffman’s proposal had enough juice to get out of his committee and to the full floor for a House vote on Tuesday.
The “sequester” is $85 billion in automatic federal spending cuts that will kick in unless Congress acts before Friday.