Rep. Cicilline blasts sequestration

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WPRI) -- Congress has just a few more days to come up with a solution to escape massive nationwide budget cuts that would take effect on Friday, and representatives from across the country are making their voices heard.

Congressman David Cicilline (D - R.I.) spoke on the House floor on Tuesday and expressed his opinions on the sequester , stating adamantly the importance of replacing the sequester with a balanced alternative that "protects American families."

"We need to [reduce the size of our deficit] in a balanced, forward-thinking way that protects our fragile recovery, continues growing jobs for middle class families, and invests in our long-term economic future," said Congressman Cicilline.

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According to Cicilline, sequestration is more of a punishment than it is a solution.

"It's a penalty that would put our recovery in jeopardy and hurt working men and women in my home state of Rhode Island and all across this country," he said.

• Full Details: Rhode Island loss under the sequester (White House)
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As a solution, Rep. Cicilline pointed toward Congressman Chris Van Hollen's (D - MD) proposal. That solution would include:

• Repealing subsidies to Big Oil
• Implementing the Buffett rule so middle class families don't pay a higher tax rate than millionaires and billionaires.
• And preserving the Medicare guarantee for our seniors.

Delegates from across the nation will continue to voice their opinions on this issue throughout the week. WPRI.com will be following sequester updates as the story develops.