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Rep. Veasey Statement on announced layoffs at Bell Helicopter in Fort Worth

September 24, 2013

FORT WORTH, TX -Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) issued the following statement regarding Fort Worth-based Bell Helicopter’s announcement, on Monday, that it is laying off 290 hourly workers companywide due to federal spending cuts called the sequester.

“I am disappointed to learn of the layoffs of 290 workers at Bell Helicopter this week and my thoughts go out to all of the employees and their families who are affected by this decision. While this is the latest example of why sequestration was such a bad idea when it was passed, two years ago by Congress and why Congress should replace it immediately, I also want to take this opportunity to urge employers that layoffs and furloughs should be the option of last resort as there are many cost saving measures at their disposal. The partisan Continuing Resolution that I voted against last week would have solidified sequestration in the budget. This should serve as a solemn reminder that budgets are real with significant impacts on our economy - not merely political vehicles to advance a narrow partisan agenda. I urge Members of Congress to take note of this as they return later this week to work towards avoiding a government shutdown at the end of this month.” – Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33), September 24, 2013

Contact: Jessica Coscia, 202-226-8365, jessica.coscia@mail.house.gov