Chambers of Commerce Announce Joint Resolution of Support To Avoid Sequestration

Clarksville, TN – The Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Christian County Chamber of Commerce announce their joint resolution of support for the request that Congress pass legislation that will stop the passing of the 2011 Budget Control Act in order to avoid sequestration.

In this case, sequestration, or the act of taking legal possession of assets until the debts are paid, could mean the government will implement up to 10 years of across-the-board cuts in discretionary spending for $500 billion in defense and $700 billion non-defense, which would be devastating.

The two chambers have taken a stance to support H.R. 3662 sponsored by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard “Buck” McKeon to head off sequestration. The goal in supporting this is to urge Congress to stop the effort to pass sequestration bills that could be detrimental to the economic landscape of Fort Campbell and the Clarksville, TN, Oak Grove and Hopkinsville, KY communities.

Both Steve Kemmer, Chairman of the Clarksville Chamber and Lori Harper, Chairman of the Christian County Chamber signed the resolution, which will be approved and adopted by their respective boards.

“It is important that we, as military communities, make our voice heard to the decision makers in Washington D.C. and let them know how adversely sequestration could affect the quality of life, the business community and most importantly, the strength of our national defense if it is allowed to pass,” said Kemmer.

Harper added, “Part of our Chambers’ joint efforts to support the military community is the annual Citizens For Fort Campbell trip to D.C. where sequestration was heavily discussed this past March. We will continue to advocate on behalf of Fort Campbell each year to support the allocation of funding they need to maintain their operational standards as well as grow according to their needs.”