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Owens: Automatic Defense Cuts Would Hurt Fort Drum

Story Published: Dec 21, 2012 at 5:01 PM EDT

Story Updated: Dec 21, 2012 at 7:28 PM EDT

With negotiations to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff at a standstill, Congress has still managed to pass the 2013 Defense Authorization Act.

Fort Drum stands to receive quite a bit of money.

Under the bill, $95 million would be spent on a new aircraft hangar at the local post.

In addition, more than $17 million is authorized for a Soldier Specialty Care Clinic and nearly $26 million is included for a Data Terminal Complex for the Missile Defense Agency.

But north country Congressman Bill Owens (D. - 23rd District) says the fiscal cliff and automatic defense cuts would hurt the local post.

"One of the big problems with the fiscal cliff and sequestration is that it is the same percentage applied to every line item that is affected, which  means, clearly, there would in fact be 7 to 8 percent cuts to Drum's operating activity - clearly significant, significant problems," said Owens.

The one measure that wouldn't face a reduction would be a 1.7 percent pay increase for military men and women.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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