Mike Hubler
HUNTSVILLE -
Proposed budget cuts from Washington, D.C. have hit home. Half of the items on President Barack Obama's chopping block come from defense spending. If Congress lets the president have his way, some defense programs could come to a screeching halt.
Production on a new military fighter jet would stop, and orders for a new fleet of presidential helicopters would be cancelled.
"These savings, large, and small add up. The 121 budget cuts we're announcing today will save taxpayers nearly $17 billion next year alone," said President Obama.
Republicans in Congress argue the cuts aren't enough. They say they have a plan that will save taxpayers much more.
WHNT NEWS 19 is keeping a close eye on this developing story, especially when it comes to cuts to defense spending here in Huntsville. It could be cut by more than a million dollars.
WHNT NEWS 19 spoke to an engineer who says missile defense is not only important to him, but the country.
Mike Hubler is a human factors engineer. He's also a husband and father. Those factors have kept him following the news relating to federal budget cuts and missile defense.
"It seems to me that missile defense has become increasingly important. It's a concern to me that it is one of places being cut just at a time when we see countries who are closer, and closer to having the nuclear capabilities," said Mike Hubler.
President Barack Obama wants to cut more than a million dollars of what's important to Hubler.
Hubler say some missile defense is often thought to be fool-proof because of the war, and threats from enemies worldwide.
The engineer admits the proposed cuts are making waves with him and his colleagues.
"It turns out, we are going to take a hit. Everybody's concerned. There are hiring freezes all around," said Hubler.
Hubler says he and others engineers are hopeful missile defense isn't hit too hard.
"I think there is still optimism, but it's cautious optimism. There's some nervousness," added Hubler.
Alabama Fifth District Congressman Parker Griffith released a statement on the proposed cuts, saying:
"This budget does not reflect the priorities of North Alabama and fails to provide clear support for national missile defense that is necessary to protect ourselves and our international allies."
Congressman Parker Griffith also said Washington must continue to focus on keeping the fiscal house in order and be a good steward of taxpayer money. Congressman Griffith says he will stand for nothing less.
Production on a new military fighter jet would stop, and orders for a new fleet of presidential helicopters would be cancelled.
"These savings, large, and small add up. The 121 budget cuts we're announcing today will save taxpayers nearly $17 billion next year alone," said President Obama.
Republicans in Congress argue the cuts aren't enough. They say they have a plan that will save taxpayers much more.
WHNT NEWS 19 is keeping a close eye on this developing story, especially when it comes to cuts to defense spending here in Huntsville. It could be cut by more than a million dollars.
WHNT NEWS 19 spoke to an engineer who says missile defense is not only important to him, but the country.
Mike Hubler is a human factors engineer. He's also a husband and father. Those factors have kept him following the news relating to federal budget cuts and missile defense.
"It seems to me that missile defense has become increasingly important. It's a concern to me that it is one of places being cut just at a time when we see countries who are closer, and closer to having the nuclear capabilities," said Mike Hubler.
President Barack Obama wants to cut more than a million dollars of what's important to Hubler.
Hubler say some missile defense is often thought to be fool-proof because of the war, and threats from enemies worldwide.
The engineer admits the proposed cuts are making waves with him and his colleagues.
"It turns out, we are going to take a hit. Everybody's concerned. There are hiring freezes all around," said Hubler.
Hubler says he and others engineers are hopeful missile defense isn't hit too hard.
"I think there is still optimism, but it's cautious optimism. There's some nervousness," added Hubler.
Alabama Fifth District Congressman Parker Griffith released a statement on the proposed cuts, saying:
"This budget does not reflect the priorities of North Alabama and fails to provide clear support for national missile defense that is necessary to protect ourselves and our international allies."
Congressman Parker Griffith also said Washington must continue to focus on keeping the fiscal house in order and be a good steward of taxpayer money. Congressman Griffith says he will stand for nothing less.
