We asked readers of our Facebook page what questions they have about sequestration, budget cuts and the possible impact to the Dayton region. U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, answered some of the questions. He’s a member of the House Armed Services Committee and chairs the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee. Join the conversation at Facebook.com/daytondailynews

Jackie Luster: When should employees expect to hear whether or not they will be required to take furlough days?

Congressman Turner: As you know, I voted against sequestration. This should not be happening. I have endorsed a plan which will avoid sequestration for a year. This would be paid for through attrition at the Department of Defense. Under current law, sequestration is set to go into effect on March 1st of this year. The Air Force’s draft plan for implementing sequestration states that it will cause up to 22 furlough days for the 13,000 Wright-Patt civilian employees. Those employees affected will be advised at least 30 days prior to imposing any unpaid furlough.

Kraig Kirves: The defense budget is dwarfed by social programs budget, yet where are the major cuts made?

Turner: The Department of Defense represents 18% of our government’s budget. But under sequestration, it would bare 50% of the cuts. The president had already cut Defense by $487 billion in his first term. Sequestration would be an additional $500 billion in cuts. Both former Defense Secretary Gates and Secretary Leon Panetta have stated that these cuts would be devastating. These cuts would absolutely effect our ability to conduct operations and support our men and women deployed overseas. I believe that we need to find savings throughout our federal budget – but in a way that is targeted and appropriately evaluated.

Alliea Phipps: At what point can Wright State University’s aerospace and internal med departments clinical trials be better utilized in partnership with Wright-Patt AFB especially since 100s of 1000s of troops are returning with serious issues?

Turner: Caring for our wounded warriors is a top priority of mine. We should be using the advanced knowledge of medical research at Wright State and other facilities across our community and nation to benefit our servicemembers who have sacrificed so much. Currently, the military has a number of collaborations with medical research facilities around the country. I am working to ensure those same opportunities for collaboration to take place in our community.