How Will the 2013 Defense Budget Cuts Affect Oregon?

“A weaker national defense threatens the security of the United States and its allies...” - Frank J. Gaffney Jr., President of the Center

Images of Oregon's National Guard at war in Afghanistan. Salem-News.com photos by Tim King

(WASHINGTON, DC) - On February 13, the Obama administration presented its 2013 budget to Congress, with projected defense budget cuts, described by Rep. Howard P “Buck” McKeon, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee as “over $45 billion less than the President's request for last year.”

To assist community leaders and citizens in understanding how these defense budget cuts may affect their local businesses and jobs, the Center for Security Policy today launched detailed reports for estimated economic impacts of the defense budget cuts on cities, counties, congressional districts and states at www.forthecommondefense.org.  These Defense Breakdown Economic Impact Reports will be updated monthly with new data and specific program cut impacts, as Congress debates the proposed 2013 budget.

• Public data for 2010 shows Oregon businesses earned over $928 million supporting America’s defense.
• But under these 10-year defense cuts of at least 9%, Oregon annual business losses could be greater than $83 million. Oregon businesses may have to fire workers.
• And at the “Sequestration” level of at least 18% in defense cuts, Oregon annual business losses could be greater than $167 million.  Some Oregon businesses may have to shut down.