The Pentagon’s chief financial guru outlined the likely ramifications of severe budget cuts under sequestration, calling them "devastating to military readiness." Speaking before the Senate Appropriations military construction committee during a May 10 hearing, Defense Department Comptroller Robert F. Hale said, "I just can’t believe what we’re doing to the military right now." Hale referred to the Obama administration’s request for $526.6 billion in discretionary funding – the same level as 2013, and 8 percent higher than the Pentagon now can spend under sequestration. "Our request does not take into account a possible $52 billion reduction if sequester becomes an annual event," Hale said. He urged lawmakers to embrace the administration’s 10-year plan to save $1.8 trillion, and repeal sequestration. Hale also repeated the Pentagon leadership’s call for another round of base closures, citing the $12 billion in annual savings realized by past BRAC (base realignment and closure) rounds.
