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Defense Officials Grilled on Budget Plan

By Scott Atkinson

Story Published: Feb 15, 2012 at 7:24 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 16, 2012 at 12:43 PM EDT

 

 

A plan to cut billions of dollars from the Army's budget was called into question Wednesday.

During a hearing in Washington D.C., members of House Armed Services Committee took turns grilling officials about the latest round of proposed base closings to save money.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta defends the plan saying it's the only option, while north country Congressmen Bill Owens, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, doesn't think it will ever see the light of day.

"I don’t think you have to make a choice between fiscal discipline and national security. I really don’t," Panetta said.

"I can tell you that if they put BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) up for a straight up or down vote, I certainly will be voting no," Owens said.

Congressman Owens says he remains confident Fort Drum will be safe from any significant cuts to the Army because of its size.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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