WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump Friday called for an end to mandatory budget cuts that have brought down defense spending.
"I am calling on Congress to end the defense sequester once and for all," Trump told military personnel at Joint Base Andrews in the U.S. state of Maryland who were celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Air force.
Trump cited dramatic cuts in troop numbers and fighter aircraft in past decades as a result of the so-called sequestration, or across-the-board budget cuts instituted by Congress.
The president also promised to give tools, training, equipment and other resources to the military as he spoke in a hangar where a B-2 stealth bomber, an F-35 and an F-22 fighter jet were showcased.
The remarks came a day after Senate reached an impasse over taking legislation to the floor for debate and vote that would have eliminated sequestration.
The mandatory automatic spending limits were set in motion by then President Barack Obama in 2012 as part of efforts to prevent the country's debt from spiraling out of control after a failed attempt by Congress to pass a plan to reduce deficits.
However, that measure did not prevent U.S. debt from skyrocketing, which broke the 20-trillion-U.S.-dollar mark last week. 
Trump, joined by first lady Melania Trump, met with military families and watched an air show at the base that houses the presidential plane Air Force One. (Xinhua)