Bills to Repeal Sequestration

On Tuesday, April 23, 2013, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) introduced S. 788, legislation to repeal sequestration for the remainder of fiscal year 2013 and replace the $85 billion in across-the-board cuts with savings from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) also introduced legislation, S.799, that would require alternative spending cuts equal to the amount called for under sequestration by May 15, 2013. The measure also would allow the alternative spending plan submitted by the Administration to be blocked if Congress adopted a resolution of disapproval to override.

Both proposals put forward by the Senate Majority and Minority seek to address sequestration in a more comprehensive manner as the effects of sequestration are being felt around the country. Congress easily approved legislation ending furloughs of air-traffic controllers that have delayed hundreds of flights. The U.S. House approved the measure in a 361-41 vote, one day after the Senate agreed to the bill.