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Is "Sequestration" still in effect?

hank
edited September 2016 in Off-Topic
Sorry, but I'm confused. Isn't there a law that Congress and the Executive branch worked out (under threat of a government shut down) in 2013 which mandates continued cuts in government spending across the board year-after-year until 2021?

At the time, the law had real tangible effects on the economy, hitting areas with strong military presence especially hard. In addition, there were costs to society as social programs were cut.

Now, it sounds like all the two major Presidential candidates do is promise to increase government spending. But, if Sequestration is still a law and the mandated cuts are continuing how can they increase spending?

What am I missing? Thanks

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_budget_sequestration_in_2013

Comments

  • Derf
    Hank: Are you trying to tell me the helicopters never took off 2014 or 15 ?
    Have a good evening, Derf
  • Sven
    This "continuing resolution" has been in place for a number of years. If Congress does not pass 2017 budget then there will be a government shutdown as in 2013. All the saber rattling means little when either candidate has to face reality/looming deficit. Thus I serious doubt there will be a shutdown.
  • MarkMark
    edited September 2016
    Just a minor observation but I don't believe that any politicians/congress ever believes that laws apply to them or their cronies/benefactors. Laws are only a tool to try and keep the minions in line.
  • OldCurmudgeon
    Sequestration does not apply if the Congress passes a budget that is below the caps set by the Budget Control Act.

    Last year (2015) Congress passed a Fiscal 2016 Budget that was under the caps, so there is no sequestration in 2016. (Yes, they did fiddle with the spending caps, but there were offsetting spending cuts.)

    Happily, (hey, I have to include sarcasm somewhere), they will get to try again after the election. If they pass something, no sequestration; if all they get put through is a continuing resolutions, the automatic cuts (sequestration) will take place in Jan 2017.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_United_States_federal_budget

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_budget_sequestration_in_2013#Sequester_in_2014_and_beyond


    Ed
  • OldCurmudgeon
    Correction: There were offsetting revenue enhancements, not spending cuts
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