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Impact of 'sequestration' on Mideast efforts

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    Will planned defense cuts go through?

  • Duration 4:44
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First of all the stresses not something that I -- something the congress has proposed it will not happen.

During the last debate President Obama said that sequestration which would trigger across the board cuts set to both domestic and defense programs will not happen.

But it is on track to -- -- last congress has something about it.

What would it mean for our military and our efforts in the Middle East and around the world joining us now talk about -- house armed services committee member and democratic congressman from California John Garamendi.

Sir thank you so much for joining us today.

Good to be with you Shannon OK now we have to talk about this because the president said that at the debates and then went on to have an interview with the de Moines register editorial board while seeking.

-- In their endorsement.

At first saying he -- want it to be on the record and later allowing the paper to release the transcript in which he said.

Something -- sounded very different seem to indicate that sequestration is going to happen or at least be used as a bargaining tool.

What is your estimation about the ability of the two sides come together and get something done.

We have no choice we have to get this thing done we have to come together we have to find -- middle ground.

And actually we've been -- that for some time and it simply hasn't happened probably because of the election and everybody.

Putting together a very hard line but when this election is over we can find -- middle ground we must and it will happen.

All rights regardless of who is elected or reelected come November 6.

-- -- in the interim time there are a couple of months they are that this would have to be hashed out what are some points of agreement -- you can see at this point the two sides could agree on.

Well speaker Boehner said a couple weeks ago that nothing would happen except kicking the can down the road.

During the lame duck session that's a possibility and if that's his view then we will.

Kicked the can down the road and then the new congress and the president.

Who I hope -- Obama but maybe not.

We'll have to deal with this and it can be dealt with -- not just the military side it's also on the domestic side some very very important.

Domestic programs will also be -- it seriously hurt.

So we have no choice but to deal with -- and there -- some middle ground it's been proposed actually both sides quietly have proposed it.

But with the election just 200 hours -- way.

We're not gonna see much.

Movement towards the center until after the election and then I and others will be there will figure this one out.

OK after the election.

Prior to January if it's possible to get something hammered out would you be willing to and would you call -- your colleagues.

To give up recess is to give up holidays whatever it takes to get this done.

Well I fully expect that to happen but once again this is a speaker Boehner is call he does control -- House of Representatives.

If he holds to the position he held to our set a couple weeks ago then.

Apparently would just kick the can down the road I don't think that's the best thing to do I think we ought to take some.

We really ought to get out this and deal with these sequestration issue which is really.

Part of the larger issue of what are we going to do about the deficit.

How are we going to deal with that in most not most people but many of the leaders are now saying it's going to have to be a balance approach -- have to be revenues and they're serious cuts that are going to have to be made.

And in that.

-- the middle ground and that's our task as representative -- get to that middle ground to work across the aisle.

And just imagine what we could do if we've really worked together.

It can't happen it will happen.

It would be encouraging and notes -- Americans regardless of party across the country -- the president has taken some criticism.

Up for not getting more involved in this do you think that there would be some benefit in him showing leadership going to the hill.

And being in the room -- the two sides try to -- -- out.

Well certainly not in the next 200 hours but after that absolutely and in fact he did that when this seaquest is.

Sequestration issue came up remembered really started over the debt limit thing the Republicans held.

At least the the very conservative part of the Republican caucus in the house said no way where they -- -- going to allowed the debt limit to be expanded.

And found that came to compromise.

The sequestration and the super committee the super committee didn't work out but the president was very very much involved.

During that period of time.

And then the election took over and it's election period everybody runs to their corner and talks loudly about their position.

But now we're past that -- really need to get to work.

And yes the president will be deeply involved hopefully during the lame duck session following the election up until January.

And and we can do it we can hopefully will be able to get that done and then if not then -- to be up to the new congress and the president.

Well we -- trapped in -- and we hope for everyone who would be impacted that it will get done congressman Garamendi thank you sir for your time.

Thank you Shannon had a great day you to.

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