Northern NY Congressman Expresses Frustration Over Lack of Action on Sequestration

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Congressman Bill Owens

During a conference call Thursday, New York 21st District Democratic Congressman Bill Owens talked about his concerns over the sequestration cuts scheduled to take effect on Friday.

Congressman Owens is disappointed that while the president and Congressional leaders plan to meet, there has been no significant legislation, nor real conversation, to address the situation.

Northern New York could see sequestration affect the military base at Fort Drum, the federal correctional facility in Ray Brook and international border operations.  Research funding to bio-tech companies in the Saranac Lake area face funding losses.  Owens expects it will take 30 to 60 days for the full impacts of the cuts to be felt as agencies decide how they will respond.

In Vermont, the governor and new adjutant general met Thursday morning to discuss the possible ramifications of sequestration cuts to the National Guard.  Vermont officials are bracing for expected cuts to education, healthcare, public safety and other sectors. But Vermont Republican Party Chair Jack Lindley doesn’t expect sequestration to have much impact.

A vote on the continuing resolution is scheduled at the end of March. Some of the cuts from sequestration could be refunded at that time. Congressman Owens notes there is no legislation crafted at this time, so the resolution could maintain federal funding at sequestration levels.