Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) met with the defense contracting community supporting Patuxent River Naval Air Station at the invitation of the Navy Alliance and others to discuss the impact of sequestration in Southern Maryland.ย ย 

โ€œAlthough the impact of sequestration will be felt over the coming weeks and months, the effects of these arbitrary, across-the-board spending cuts are already being felt here in Southern Maryland,โ€ stated Congressman Hoyer. โ€œMy discussion with the local contracting community today made clear that the uncertainty they are facing as a result of the sequester is having a negative impact on their mission here at Pax River. While I was pleased the Continuing Resolution that passed the House yesterday provided the Department of Defense with additional flexibility, I continue to believe we must fully replace the sequester with a balanced mix of targeted spending cuts and additional revenues. I will continue to push for such an alternative as soon as possible. I thank the contracting community for meeting with me today, and will continue to partner with them and leadership at NAVAIR to protect Fifth District jobs and strengthen national securityโ€ย 

Congressman Hoyer is the co-sponsor of a bill that would turn off sequestration through a balanced mix of spending cuts and additional revenues. House Republicans, who control the House agenda, have refused to bring any alternative to sequestration to the Floor for a vote.ย