WASHINGTON- The House Armed Services Committee has issued a formal request for acting White House Budget Director Jeffrey Zeints to testify on the mechanics and impact of automatic Defense cuts known as “sequestration.” Read the letter of invitation here.

In his letter to OMB Director Zeints, Chairman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon points out that the House has acted to resolve sequestration through the reconciliation process.

“Given the apparent impasse, it is appropriate to provide information to members of Congress, industry, and the public about the Administration's interpretation of the law and how sequestration would be implemented mechanically. At a minimum, this information is critical for planning, and perhaps the additional insight into the realities of sequestration will incentivize all parties to offer alternative deficit reduction plans. I was pleased to note the statement by your spokesperson earlier this week that indicated your staff was conducting the analysis necessary to implant sequester if need be. “

McKeon asks Zeints to appear on July 18th. The Committee has also invited representatives from the defense industry as well as senior defense officials to participate in the hearing.