Army to Congress: Thanks, but no tanks
By Drew Griffin and Kathleen Johnston
HERLONG, California (CNN) - If you need an example of why it is hard to cut the budget in Washington look no further than this Army depot in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada range.
CNN was allowed rare access to what amounts to a parking lot for more than 2,000 M-1 Abrams tanks. Here, about an hour's drive north of Reno, Nevada, the tanks have been collecting dust in the hot California desert because of a tiff between the Army and Congress.
The U.S. has more than enough combat tanks in the field to meet the nation's defense needs - so there's no sense in making repairs to these now, the Army's chief of staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno told Congress earlier this year.
If the Pentagon holds off repairing, refurbishing or making new tanks for three years until new technologies are developed, the Army says it can save taxpayers as much as $3 billion.
That may seem like a lot of money, but it's a tiny sacrifice for a Defense Department that will cut $500 billion from its budget over the next decade and may be forced to cut a further $500 billion if a deficit cutting deal is not reached by Congress.
Why is this a big deal? For one, the U.S. hasn't stopped producing tanks since before World War II, according to lawmakers.
Plus, from its point of view the Army would prefer to decide what it needs and doesn't need to keep America strong while making tough economic cuts elsewhere.
"When a relatively conservative institution like the U.S. military, which doesn't like to take risks because risks get people killed, says it has enough tanks, I think generally civilians should be inclined to believe them," said Travis Sharp a fellow at the defense think tank, New American Security.
But guess which group of civilians isn't inclined to agree with the generals on this point?
Congress.
To be exact, 173 House members - Democrats and Republicans - sent a letter April 20 to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, urging him to continue supporting their decision to produce more tanks.
That's right. Lawmakers who frequently and loudly proclaim that presidents should listen to generals when it comes to battlefield decisions are refusing to take its own advice.
If the U.S. pauses tank production and refurbishment it will hurt the nation's industrial economy, lawmakers say.
"The combat vehicle industrial base is a unique asset that consists of hundreds of public and private facilities across the United States," the letter said. The outlook for selling Abrams tanks to other nations appears "stronger than prior years," the letter said. But those sales would be "inadequate to sustain the industrial base and in some cases uncertain. In light of this, modest and continued Abrams production for the Army is necessary to protect the industrial base."
Lima, Ohio, is a long way from this dusty tank parking lot. The tiny town in the northwestern part of the Buckeye State is where defense manufacturing heavyweight General Dynamics makes these 60-plus-ton behemoths.
The tanks create 16,000 jobs and involve 882 suppliers, says Kendell Pease, the company's vice-president of government relations and communications. That job figure includes ancillary positions like gas station workers who fill up employees' cars coming and going to the plant.
Many of the suppliers for tank manufacturing are scattered around the country so the issue of stopping production or refurbishment becomes a parochial one: congressional representatives don't want to kill any jobs in their districts, especially as the economy struggles during an election year.
"General Dynamics is not the industrial base," Pease said. "It is small vendors."
But General Dynamics certainly has a stake in the battle of the tanks and is making sure its investment is protected, according to research done by The Center for Public Integrity, a journalism watchdog group.
What its reporters found was General Dynamics campaign contributions given to lawmakers at key times, such as around congressional hearings, on whether or not to build more tanks.
"We aren't saying there's vote buying" said Aaron Metha, one of the report's authors. "We are saying it's true in pretty much all aspects of politics - but especially the defense industry. It's almost impossible to separate out the money that is going into elections and the special interests. And what we found was the direct spike in the giving around certain important dates that were tied to votes."
Pease said General Dynamics is bipartisan in its giving and there is nothing suspicious in the timing of its donations to members of the House and Senate. The giving is tied to when fundraisers are held in Washington - which is also when Congress is in session, he said.
Lawmakers that CNN interviewed denied that donations influenced their decisions to keep the tanks rolling.
Rep. Buck McKeon, a Republican from California and chairman of the House armed services committee, said he didn't know General Dynamics had given him $56,000 in campaign contributions since 2009 until CNN asked him about it.
"You know, the Army has a job to do and we have a job to do," McKeon said. "And they have tough choices because they've been having their budget cut."
McKeon said he's thinking about the long range view. "... If someone could guarantee us that we'll never need tanks in the future, that would be good. I don't see that guarantee."
Similarly, his Democratic counterpart on the committee, Rep. Silvestre Reyes, who has received $64,000 from General Dynamics since 2001, said he is worried about the workforce if the Lima plant is closed for three years.
"Listen, we don't want to play Russian Roulette with the national security of this country," Reyes said.
Odierno explained to the committee that it would be cheaper to shut down the tank plant and then restart it in 2017. But his plea was ignored.
"Lima would cost us $2.8 billion just to keep that open and our tank fleet is in good shape and we don't need to because of the great support that we have gotten over the last two years," he told the committee.
But General Dynamics said it will cost a lot less to keep the plant open. Pease said the Army hasn't factored in the huge costs of closing the plant and the potential loss of skilled workers who will be needed come 2017 when the Army plans to remodel the Abrams tank.
"It's not whether they need those tanks, it's how much it costs to restart it," said Pease. General Dynamics, he said, will survive with or without refurbishing tanks over the next three years.
So how did Congress respond to Gen. Odeirno's request to shut down production until 2017?
The answer came in the proposed congressional budget for next year. It includes $181 million for tanks the Army doesn't want or need now. That begs another question: who will likely get the money for the 70 or so tanks covered by that contract when it goes out for bid?
"General Dynamics would probably get the contract for it anyway because they are kind of the ones that are out there leading the way on this," said McKeon.
The Army tank battle sends an unsettling message to the Defense Department, says Sharp, with the defense think tank. But it's a message that may not surprise a public weary from decades of battles and horse-trading that have defined Capitol Hill.
"The fact that the military is having such a hard time getting this relatively small amount of money to be saved, I think is an indication of the huge uphill fight that the military faces when it comes to Congress," Sharp said. "Congress is going to fight tooth and nail to protect defense investments that benefit their constituents and the people that live in their states."
Maybe the next time the generals go up to the Hill, they should take a cue from the well-protected tanks parked in California. Perhaps they might consider wearing body armor.
CNN's Sara Anwar contributed to this report.
@natlsecuritycnn on Twitter
Very good blog post. I certainly love this site. Continue the good work!
https://rucsh.org/home/link.php?url=https://ks1.es/sascha/index.php/gaestebuch?t=0//summary/&start=240
I blog quite often and I really appreciate your content. The article has really peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your site and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.
/
https://gta.ru/redirect/ingenieurleistungenreiter.com/index.php?option=com_phocaguestbook&view=phocaguestbook&id=1&Itemid=4&limitstart=65380
https://coyoacan.cdmx.gob.mx/link?ruta=https://siuntionvenekerho.fi/2020/05/05/sammuttimen-tarkastus-kevaalla-2020/
cialis viagra levitra canada https://cialisee.com/ – cialis super active cheap buy cialis online overnight shipping
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesn't disappoint me just as much as this particular one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I really thought you would probably have something interesting to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you can fix if you weren't too busy seeking attention.
https://mitsui-shopping-park.com/lalaport/ebina/redirect.html?url=https://jrkreations.com/
I used to be able to find good information from your articles.
http://www.rondomusic.com/cgi-bin/affiliates/clickthru.cgi?id=bwcornwell&page=https://paradisepoolnspa.com
cahsee essay help university of maryland essay help essay about doing the right thing help writing master's thesis
https://5100.itmo.ru/go.php?url=https://internetmarketingoregon.com/
http://ams.ceu.edu/optimal/optimal.php?url=http://gopepp.com
I truly love your site.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you create this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m hoping to create my own personal website and want to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Kudos!
http://php-api.engageya.com/oper/https_redirect.php?url=https://meticulousjess.com
Very good information. Lucky me I recently found your site by accident (stumbleupon). I've saved it for later!
https://bibliopam.ec-lyon.fr/fork?https://ppcpostfalls.com
After looking at a few of the blog articles on your website, I seriously appreciate your way of blogging. I saved it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Please visit my website too and tell me what you think.
https://www.dmca.com/Protection/Status.aspx?ID=edc817fd-d796-4c84-abb8-d1cb5b2e3719&refurl=https://eyedoctorphoenixaz.com/
http://fis.com/fis/shared/redirect.asp?banner=6158&url=https://affordableranking.com/
https://www.wrasb.gov.tw/opennews/opennews01_detail.aspx?nno=2014062701&return=https://ppcpostfalls.com/
https://www.sunhun.com/link.php?url=https://www.sanmarinoroof.com/
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
I'll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of
your useful info. Thanks for the post. I'll definitely return.
https://www.archiportale.com/click.asp?Url=http://juicycalls.com
https://www.kishindo.co.jp/netlink/rents/index4.cgi?t=netwing&id=overture&url=https://sanmarinoroof.com/
The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not fail me just as much as this one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, however I truly believed you would have something helpful to say. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something you could possibly fix if you were not too busy looking for attention.
http://www.iacconline.org/Redirect.aspx?destination=https://sanmarinoroof.com
I'm excited to discover this site. I want to to thank you for your time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoyed every part of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff on your website.
http://closings.cbs6albany.com/scripts/adredir.asp?url=https://wildwestlifttrucks.com
not doing homework yahoo money can buy happiness essay for and against common app personal essay help homework help key stage 3
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It's always useful to read articles from other writers and practice something from other web sites.
http://portal.mbsfestival.com.au/eshowbag/redirect.php?type=website&url=https://cool-air-tech.com
http://www.sweetcotton.com/osanpo/search/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=1154&url=https://www.maseratis.net/
pharmacy prices http://pharmacylo.com/ walgreens online pharmacy
canada rx pharmacy world https://pharmacylo.com/ Copegus
I really like it when folks come together and share views. Great website, continue the good work!
https://content.peoplevine.com/doNewsletterTrack.ashx?auto=N&company_no=414&wasClicked=Y&messageID=df8d334f-011a-4f2e-a5fb-d8dc42126931&newsletter_no=ZmxhcHwxNzk5M3xqYWNr&reference_type=customer&reference_no=YmFzZWJhbGx8MTIwMjMxOXxzb255&url=http://ocrvcenter.com/
Hi there! This post could not be written any better! Reading this
post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this.
I will forward this write-up to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read.
Thanks for sharing!
Really nice design and fantastic content material, very little else we need :D.
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you so much, However I am having issues with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I cannot join it. Is there anyone else getting similar RSS issues? Anyone who knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanx!!
https://extraproxies.com/get-permanent-backlink-from-quality-news-site-at-just-99/
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article! It's the little changes which will make the most significant changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
https://abenteuerteam.de/redirect/?url=https://ocrvcenter.com/
http://www.drugoffice.gov.hk/gb/unigb/www.ocrvcenter.com
william morris homework help no great mischief essay help order a business plan homework help in statistics
http://cat.sustech.edu/cgi-bin/koha/tracklinks.pl?uri=//www.maseratis.net/
https://www.aidenpan.com/home/link.php?url=https://www.munihuancabamba.gob.pe/transparencia/buenas-practicas/comunicados/item/327-sumate-por-un-?start=34220
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend who was doing a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me dinner simply because I found it for him... lol. So allow me to reword this.... Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to discuss this topic here on your internet site.
http://portal.mbsfestival.com.au/eshowbag/redirect.php?type=website&url=https://maseratiforum.net
Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. Nevertheless think about
if you added soe great visuals or ideos to give your posts more, "pop"!
Your content is excellent but with pics and videos, this site could definitely bee one oof the most beneficial iin its field.
Exxcellent blog!
https://space.sosot.net/link.php?url=https://hetwinkeltjerozenburg.nl/forum/showthread.php?tid=267779
http://reklama.karelia.pro/url.php?banner_id=1864&area_id=143&url=https://boxtruckrepairshop.com/business-van-repair-shop-near-me
After checking out a number of the blog articles on your website, I honestly appreciate your way of writing a blog. I book marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my web site too and let me know what you think.
http://www.explainjs.com/explain?src=http://club-maserati.com/
is there generic viagra http://loxviagra.com/ teva generic viagra
http://qatar.vcu.edu/?URL=fleetvehiclerepairshop.com/kenworth-truck-repair-shop-near-me/
Everything is very open with a precise clarification of the issues. It was really informative. Your site is very helpful. Thanks for sharing!
https://office.builderall.com/us/franchise/share/1504715/?p1=rd&p2=http://fleettruckrepairshop.com/international-truck-repair-shop-near-me/
viagra free samples women http://llviagra.com/ viagra wikipedia russian
This is a topic which is near to my heart... Cheers! Where are your contact details though?
https://phototo.com.ua/uk/redirect-to-site?client_id=258&url=https://www.fleetservicerepairshop.com/van-maintenance-shop-near-me/
does the va approve cialis for patients https://ucialisdas.com/ – cialis usa paypal buy generic cialiss
I blog frequently and I seriously appreciate your content.
The article has truly peaked my interest. I will take a note of your site and keep checking for new details
about once a week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.
Also visit my web-site: 선릉안마 (Ina)
https://track.affsrc.com/track/clicks/3171/c627c2b89e0522dbfe9cbd2e8d2b8914736245cb75e9f0ab416db1046005?t=https://fleettruckrepairshop.com/van-dent-repair-shop-near-me/
http://www.arianacars.com/?wptouch_switch=desktop&redirect=http://maseratiforum.net
This web site really has all the information I needed concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
http://www.tces.hlc.edu.tw/dyna/netlink/hits.php?id=140&url=http://fleetservicesorangecounty.com/fire-truck-repair-shop-near-me
help with homework age 5 famous essay writers start business plan writing service does homework help improve grades
http://aps.sn/spip.php?page=clic&id_publicite=366&id_banniere=6&from=/actualites/sports/lutte/article/modou-lo-lac-de-guiers-2-l-autre-enjeu&redirect=https://fleetservicerepairshop.com/mercedes-camper-van-repair-shop-near-me
Everything is very open with a clear description of the issues. It was definitely informative. Your site is extremely helpful. Many thanks for sharing!
http://5cfxm.hxrs6.servertrust.com/v/affiliate/setCookie.asp?catId=1180&return=https://crazy4smiths.com/25-merry-days-smiths-day-13-save-pepperidge-farm-puff-pastry-hot-wheels-cars/
https://www.viagginrete-it.it/urlesterno.asp?url=https://aikareborn.com/
http://www.avitop.com/aviation/link.asp?snd=4208&url=http://melrosestreetjournal.com/americans-are-ready-to-kill-grandmas/
It’s difficult to find educated people about this subject, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
http://knitty.com/banner.php?id=587&url=https://affordableranking.com
After looking into a number of the blog posts on your website, I really like your technique of writing a blog. I book marked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the near future. Please visit my website too and let me know how you feel.
http://www.elahmad.com/url.php?url=aikareborn.com/forums/general.57/
cialis mit paypal bezahlen https://ucialisdas.com/ generic cialisis
จุดเด่นของ sagame คือ ความหลากหลายของเกมคาสิโนที่มีให้เลือกมากที่สุด รวมทั้งถือเป็นช่องทางสำคัญของการเล่นเกมคาสิโนออนไลน์ในยุคนี้ ที่ใช้เงินเล่นพนันไม่มากมายแต่ว่าผลตอบรับที่ได้กลับคืนมาเกินความมุ่งหวัง พวกเราเป็นเว็บไซต์ที่ยังคงรักษามาตรฐานสูงสุด
แล้วก็นึกถึงการพัฒนาระบบคาสิโนที่ตอบโจทย์สำหรับผู้เล่นอย่างยอดเยี่ยมที่สุด เราอยากให้คุณรู้สึกอุ่นใจสูงที่สุดที่ได้เลือกใช้บริการกับเรา มั่นอกมั่นใจเล่นเกมคาสิโนออนไลน์กับ Sa Game จะไม่มีปัญหาการใช้แรงงานอีกทั้งเว็บรวมทั้งหน้าระบบเกิมเดิมพันให้เสียอารมณ์
เล่นได้โดยตลอด 1 วัน
พร้อมด้วยเรามีทีมงานคอยให้บริการตอบข้อสงสัยแม้มีปัญหาการใช้งาน ท่านสามารถติดต่อทีมงานได้ในทันที
https://www.4geo.me/redirect/?service=catalog&url=aikareborn.com/wiki/rifleman_superior
Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Thanks
pharmacy online shopping https://xlnpharmacy.com/ peoples drug store
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Many thanks, However I am having issues with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I can't subscribe to it. Is there anyone else getting similar RSS problems? Anyone who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanks!!
http://adserver.merciless.localstars.com/track.php?ad=525825&target=https://rankemailads.com
This is a really good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very precise info… Thank you for sharing this one. A must read article!
https://www.girisimhaber.com/redirect.aspx?url=https://ocrv.club/
http://yellowpages.13abc.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=bestservicenearme.com
It?¦s really a nice and helpful piece of information. I am happy that you shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
http://www.stornobrzinol.com/
I like it when folks get together and share views. Great blog, keep it up!
http://krd.empas.com/r/kw_rank4/u=arizonasvision.com/
I was able to find good advice from your content.
http://www.czarymary.pl/lw/Redirect.php?url=http://meganleary.com/
buy avanafil usa priligy dapoxetine
best i have ever seen!Hello, always i used to check webpage posts here early in the daylight, for the reason that i love to gain knowledge of more and more.
https://justpaste.it/MyProCleanerTX
Commenting on a blog is an art. Good comments create relations. You're doing great work. Keep it up.
https://pixieset.com/collection/
Keep this going please, great job!
https://500px.com/p/michelinetrimbledylan58453?view=photos
such a great information for blogger i am a professional blogger thanks
writing tutorial service carleton university nursing essay writing service uk reddit chemistry homework help doing math homework online
Thanks for the information.
https://wugold.picturepush.com/
very nice! Ireally like your blog
https://myalbum.com/album/TTaebtzhSQJF
http://ipsnoticias.net/portuguese/?wptouch_switch=desktop&redirect=https://arizonasvision.com/
My spouse and I stumbled over here from a different web page and thought
I should check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you.
Look forward to looking over your web page yet again.
Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great article.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vrr3aHEaDv5j0tdKq8MmCEs5nDjAZWGF?usp=sharing
Commenting on a blog is an art. Good comments create relations. You're doing great work. Keep it up.
https://www.behance.net/gallery/119414055/Help-In-Finding-a-Professionally-Trained-Locksmith
Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You're doing a great job Man,Keep it up.
https://locksmithpaloaltoca.tumblr.com/post/651060849619959808/locksmith-service-and-its-benefits
Confido https://xlnpharmacy.com/ Viagra Super Active
Thanks for wonderful information I used to be in search of this info for my mission.
https://diigo.com/0kj9hl
Impressive! Thanks for the post
https://fencecompanyinbatonrouge.blogspot.com/2021/05/things-to-consider-when-choosing.html
such a great information for blogger i am a professional blogger thanks
https://www.behance.net/gallery/119416649/Professional-Air-Conditioning-Service-and-Repair
purchase cialis http://rcialisgl.com/ cialis buy info/
very nice! Ireally like your blog
https://www.dmllocksmith.com
Impressive! Thanks for the post
https://www.gatesofantares.com/players/sloan84morrison/activity/741103/
A great read. I'll definitely be back.
https://www.techsite.io/p/2161495
cyclosporine 100 mg cyclosporine eye drops
https://rucsh.org/home/link.php?url=https://arizonasvision.com
This information is invaluable. Where can I find out more?|
https://kookywooky.com/news/sports/30192/d98ad8add8a7d988d984-d8acd98ad8b3d988d8b3-d8a3d8acd98ad984d8a7d8b1-d985d986-d985d8a7d8b1d984d98ad986d8b2-d8add8b1d981d98ad8a7d98b-d8b3/#comment-232
Wow, wonderful weblog structure! Hoow lengthy have youu been running a blog for?
you mmade blogging glance easy. Thee overall look
of your website is magnificent, let alone the content!
I really like this post
https://info-site.siterubix.com/luxury-vehicle-leasing-get-the-best-deals/
Hello Dear, are you genuinely visiting this web site daily, if so after that you will absolutely take good know-how.|
https://pastefs.com/pid/289578
These aree really enormous ideas in concerning blogging.
You have touched some fastidious poits here.
Any way keep up wrinting.
You've made some decent points there. I checked on the internet to learn more about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.
http://www.brooklynohio.gov/TRK/C/3p6zZpKrM9Y=/X/ClickTarget.aspx?url=https://ocrvmotorcoaches.com
puchsae cialis http://rcialisgl.com/ cialis ontario no prescription
An outstanding share! I've just forwarded this onto a friend who had been doing a little research on this.
And he actually ordered me lunch due to the fact that
I discovered it for him... lol. So let me reword
this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to talk about this matter here on your internet site.
buy cialis in davenport fl http://cialisee.com/ – buy cialis no prescription australia no prescription generic cialis