Preventing DOD Furloughs

Floor Speech

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the House passed important legislation: the Defense appropriations bill. This bill prohibits furloughs on employees serving our Department of Defense in fiscal year 2014. These employees are now in their third week of furloughs.

This week, we heard from Under Secretary of Defense Comptroller Bob Hale about the adverse impacts, which are expected to worsen if furloughs continue. His message made clear the harm furloughs already have on our force readiness. He echoed what I am hearing from my constituents that I talk to on a daily basis: these dedicated patriots employed by DOD are disappointed and frustrated they cannot support the warfighter and are fearful of an unknown future.

While it may be too late for the 11 days of furlough through September, Congress has the opportunity and I believe the obligation to get this important provision prohibiting furloughs signed into law as soon as possible.

I urge the Senate to join the House in passing this important measure.

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