CNN was allowed access into a Army depot in the Sierra Nevada region. The sight was none short of shocking, with hundreds of tanks lined up just sitting there collecting dust as a result of result dispute between the US congress and the US Army.
(Video Courtesy of CNN)
Recent Analysis has shown that if the Military stops producing, refurbishing, and repairing Military tanks, it could save the Country’s taxpayers over 3Billion dollars each year. Surprisingly, it is the military in favour of this option with the US Congress opposing against it. Congress has always been keen on imposing the government should listen more to the Military are going against their own word on this one with a recent Letter sent to the Secretary of Defense signed by 173 House members, from both the Republicans and Democrats, to continue producing tanks. Their reason behind it though is not completely unreasonable, however. With the cease in production and refurbishment of tanks, it would leave over 16,000 people unemployed and put over 800 suppliers in a very tough situation.
It’s a tough tradeoff, supplying the country with jobs, or saving taxpayer dollars. As of right now though, the Budget for next year includes 181 million dollars for additional funding for the production and refurbishment of tanks. Whether or not that will be changed is still up for grabs.
(source: CNN)