Department of Defense Furloughs

Floor Speech

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, instead of combating terrorism or working to support our troops deployed around the globe, civilian workers across the country are, instead, spending 20 percent of their workweek on a forced furlough.

Furloughed workers face personal and professional challenges, lost income and less time to get the same amount of work done.

From the Associated Press:

Civilian employees, ranging from top-level policy advisers to school teachers and depot workers, will not be answering their phones or responding to emails for 1 day a week.

There is no doubt those who wish harm upon the United States are pleased with these cuts. The administration had flexibility to make other choices and avoid furloughs.

Further, this unfortunate choice may not be over on September 30. Yesterday, Secretary Hagel suggested furloughs may continue under certain circumstances.

Compounding budget cuts are devastating military readiness. I urge the administration to make better choices and for the Congress to work the will of the American people and support our Nation's defense to the fullest.

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