Two Republican lawmakers have introduced a proposal that would require federal employees to contribute more of their salary toward retiree benefits in order to offset deep cuts to the Defense Department.




The "Provide for the Common Defense Act," introduced by Reps. Jim Bridenstine, R-Okla., and Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., would eliminate sequester-related budget cuts for the Pentagon over the next two years, the lawmakers said in a statement.

The legislation increases federal employee's contributions toward their retirement costs, from 0.8 percent to 2.0 percent of pay, over a three-year period. The bill would also eliminate the Federal Employee Retirement System Annuity Supplement for new employees.

Bridenstine said in a statement that the bill would also reduce the national deficit by $200 billion over ten years in part by changing the way cost of living adjustments are calculated for Social Security and other mandatory spending programs.

"President Obama is hollowing out our military, emboldening our enemies to be even more aggressive, and encouraging our friends to align with the East. This bill strengthens defense, reforms entitlements, and reduces the national deficit," Bridenstine said.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/12/...t-defense-cuts/