3/21/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Pentagon officials have put off sending furlough notices to civilian employees until they've had a chance to analyze how pending legislation that would fund the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year will affect the Defense Department.
Officials now estimate that furlough notices will go out on or about April 5, Navy Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said.
"The legislation could have some impact on the overall number of furlough days, but no decisions have been reached, especially since the legislation hasn't been signed into law," Hull-Ryde said. "The number of furlough days at this point remains at 22."
Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said the delay makes sense.
"We believe the delay is a responsible step to take in order to assure our civilian employees that we do not take lightly the prospect of furloughs and the resulting decrease in employee pay," he said.
Comments
3/25/2013 2:42:32 PM ET Jerry they need to reimburse the country for all pay received since they have yet to pass a budget. Once they have a budget then they can start earning a paycheck
SNCO Ret, Scott
3/24/2013 1:48:26 PM ET Agree with the comment from Jerry Oklahoma and should be a minimum of 30 percent. This must include all members of congress and the White House. Also in all fairness our congressional members recieve a 1.5 Million budget each to pay for their support staff. This is highway robery. This budget must be cut in half and the funds placed into the DoD Civilian payroll account.
William Belles, Altus OK
3/22/2013 12:41:58 PM ET I know there is a constitutional prohibition on reducing elected officials pay during their term in office. But there isn't a prohibition on elected officials writing a check to the US Treasury. All federal elected officials should send a check to the Treasury representing the same percentage of pay the federal workers lose because of sequestration. If they don't vote them out. It doesn't matter what party or what political persuasion. If they aren't willing to live with the consequences they force on others they don't deserve to be where they are.
Jerry, Oklahoma
3/22/2013 11:38:28 AM ET Where is the accountability Someone owes the American public an answer
Arctic Warrior, Califorado Springs
3/22/2013 9:50:40 AM ET The notifications should have been sent out on 22 March and if a solution was found within the next 2 weeks with the continuing resolution the 22 days could be found to be reduced or avoided altogether. However if a solution is not found with the continuing resolution this decision now will necessitate taking 22 days in a shorter time period which will mean workers will have more than two unpaid workdays per pay period resulting in a larger reduction in each paycheck.
