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NH Delegation Rallies Against Cuts

Todd Bookman
/
NHPR

New Hampshire’s congressional delegation took part in a rally today protesting looming cuts to defense spending. The event took place in Nashua at BAE Systems, a defense contractor and one of New Hampshire’s largest employers.

Senator Kelly Ayotte told the crowd that across-the-board cuts, known as sequestration, could weaken the country’s military.

"We cannot create a national security crisis on top of our fiscal crisis," says Ayotte.

At issue is a deal lawmakers reached last year as a way to force a budget compromise. Under that deal, defense and domestic programs will see $1 trillion in cuts in January. Senator Jeanne Shaheen called on Congress to reach for a bi-partisan solution.

"Across the board cuts that are indiscriminate, that go into effect without any planning or forethought, are the wrong approach to solving our debt, and our deficit," says Shaheen.

A reportby George Mason University estimates that New Hampshire could lose 3,600 jobs if a deal can’t be reached. Representatives Charlie Bass and Frank Guinta also attended the event.

Todd started as a news correspondent with NHPR in 2009. He spent nearly a decade in the non-profit world, working with international development agencies and anti-poverty groups. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University.
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