Rooney Calls President’s Defense Reduction Plan 'Appeasement'

U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, questioned plans announced Thursday by President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to guide the Pentagon through coming years of reducing in the size of the military.

Over the last several months, we have heard dire warnings from our top military chiefs and even from Secretary Panetta about the serious consequences of defense cuts of this magnitude, Rooney stated in a release. I took their warnings very seriously, and Im disappointed that the president is apparently willing to accept the grave risks of massive defense cuts.

The White House plans also include dispensing with the one-time official requirement that the U.S. military handle two simultaneous wars.

The presidents new strategy relies on the flawed assumption that by retreating from the world and reducing the size of our military, we can make our threats go away, Rooney stated in the release. This strategy of appeasement has never worked. Shrinking and weakening our military made us less safe under Presidents Carter and Clinton, and it will make us less safe under President Obama as well.

I believe that America should speak softly and carry the biggest stick. A strong, effective military is critical to deterring our enemies, keeping America safe and preserving our interests around the world.