TIME TO CUT THE DEFENSE BUDGET
by Charles Kindleberger, PEP Board Member
We all know that the last decade has witnessed a huge build up in US defense spending, the result of two wars, fears of terrorism, and 95 major weapon systems under development. Finally the pendulum has shifted. The first phase of the Congressional deficit cutting compromise calls for $350 billion in defense cuts over 10 years; by Thanksgiving we will have the report of the 12 person Super Committee, and we will know how much additional defense cutting is called for. I believe it should be substantial.
It won’t be an easy process. We know that much of the military’s equipment is antiquated and/or beat up because of the wars. We know that veterans and their families face difficult challenges as they try to reintegrate into society. But major cuts are necessary:
- Debt Reduction. The $739 billion annual budget is 27 percent of federal budget which currently runs more than a trillion dollars in the red each year. The nation must do more to balance its budget.
- Threat Scenarios. The US faces serious threats around the world (e.g. terrorism, cyber warfare, nuclear threats and more). We need to be able to stand up to North Korea, Iran, and other difficult countries. However, can anyone seriously imagine a large scale land war in the coming years? How could we possibly need 6200 Abrams Battle Tanks, more than 4000 combat aircraft, 5113 nuclear warheads or 1, 564,000 active duty troops?
- Priorities. Almost daily, the headlines remind us of the pain experienced by many of our citizens and the failures of our nation. Poverty is more widespread than it has been in the last 18 years. As many as 25 million are looking for work or looking for full time work, and many more have dropped out of the work force. Participation in the food stamp program is at an all time high. There are so many other similarly depressing statistics.
Every new ship or aircraft that is not built, or soldier that is not deployed frees up dollars for improving education, health care, infrastructure, and the many other domestic needs of this nation, including reducing the national debt.
Defense spending has peaked three times since World War II – Korean War, Vietnam War, and during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. After each there was a dramatic cutback in expenditures. This time should be no different. The massive defense buildup of the last decade needs to be reversed in a major way.
If you agree, put your thoughts in writing. Let the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (the Super Committee) know your beliefs. Write to Co-Chairs Senator Patty Murray of Washington <murray.senate.gov> and Congressman Jeb Hensarling of Texas <hensarling.house.gov>. Don’t let the lobbyists from the Military Industrial Complex be the only ones they hear.
