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News > Hagel to make furlough decision soon, press secretary says
Hagel to make furlough decision soon, press secretary says

Posted 5/1/2013   Updated 5/16/2013 Email story   Print story

    


by Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service


5/1/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFPS) -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will make a decision soon on the scope of civilian furloughs in response to sequestration spending cuts, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.

Hagel is reviewing analysis on the budget "and he'll reach a decision in the near future," Little told reporters.

Little acknowledged news reports that some services contend they do not need to use furloughs to make their sequestration goals.

"There are different pockets of money in different places for each of the services," he said. "To be totally straightforward, the math does work for some services to avoid some furloughs, at a minimum. For other services, it is harder."

The general principle so far has been "one team, one fight" inside the department to be consistent, the press secretary said. "That's an understandable position," he added.

Still, he said, Hagel is reviewing the DOD budget and the constraints the department is operating under. "We're in the middle of a $37 billion to $40 billion cut over a six-month period, and we need to look closely at that, but I expect him to make a decision soon," the spokesman said.

The situation "points out the absurdity of sequestration," Little said.

"You don't have a lot of choice, in some cases, over where to save money and where to cut," he added. "The across-the-board cut is forcing some tough decisions. The goal of the furlough so far ... is to ensure, at least on this issue, there is some consistency."

When originally proposed, all DOD civilian personnel were going to be furloughed for 22 days during the remainder of fiscal year 2013, which ends Sept. 30. Officials since have reduced that estimate to 14 days. DOD officials are examining requests for exemptions, Little said.




tabComments
5/20/2013 10:45:57 AM ET
Interesting leadership can play around with these decisions for months. And then give the employees seven days to respond to the notifications. And what exactly am I responding to Perhaps I have a choice to opt out. This whole process has been a circus run by a bunch of clowns. Just do it will you Sheesh.
Bill, Ft Worth
 
5/15/2013 11:07:37 AM ET
Why did they not follow thru with stopping the tution assistance program. They should offer it to Airmen once they have completed 4 yrs of service
tc, lackland afb
 
5/7/2013 4:14:01 PM ET
I am currently of the thought process that we will probably only lose a couple of days if that. I get the feeling we are being used as a pawn for political purposes and I dont like it. I agree with Pack Mule on the Yo Yo feeling.
RickV, PC Fl
 
5/7/2013 3:59:36 PM ET
Still waiting to hear something. Soon must mean 7 to 10 duty days or more.
Standby, Waitland
 
5/7/2013 2:46:52 PM ET
Free govenment of free people You are the one with colored glasses on Spirit76. Also learn how to spell you slug. And No Label still loves his country no matter how socialist it becomes. Wake up sheep
Master Blaster, The Thunderdome
 
5/7/2013 12:17:43 AM ET
Old guy Y Fishman has a right to express his opinion no need to call names. Respect the freedom of our fellow American that is what I am proud to fight for. Love this country or get out
No Label Just American, USA
 
5/6/2013 8:58:50 AM ET
As a member of the greatest air force on the planet we make difficult decesions routinely. Those decesions are in support of the free government of free people. Mr. Fister from Harper's Ferry should recall history without rose colored glasses.
Spirit76, WPAFB
 
5/6/2013 8:34:33 AM ET
Y Fishman Monrovia CA Typical left wing BS freedom of speech as long as it agrees with me.
Old guy, USA
 
5/3/2013 12:34:37 PM ET
Mr. Hagel needs to stop drawing out this process. I have taken a very positive attitude on a very negative event and my positive plans are being disrupted by this delay.
Mary, CO
 
5/3/2013 11:16:20 AM ET
So how soon is soon Make decision already and stop jerking us around.
Standby, Waitland
 
5/2/2013 10:22:32 AM ET
Y fishman yeah he's a decorated veteran but he's turned into a crook. And democratically appointed I bet you still believe your vote counts in the regular elections Would you still hold benedict arnold in high regard just because he was a decorated vet Your past does not forgive your present actions I agree with Mr Fister.
Mr. Mister, Broken Wingsville
 
5/2/2013 9:23:17 AM ET
I hope they make one soon as well. I am tired of feeling like a yo-yo up one moment and down another due to all the uncertainty. I get more and more piled on my plate because everything is a crisis and its needed yesterday. My leadership wonders why I am overwhelmed. Seriously
Pack Mule, Frustrationville
 
5/1/2013 10:30:55 PM ET
Mr Fister ought to show a little respect to a decorated veteran of our nation's wars and the democratically appointed and confirmed secretary of the DOD.
Y Fishman, Monrovia CA
 
5/1/2013 3:08:39 PM ET
Hagel to make furlough decion soon press secretary says. I hope he does make a decision like it says in the article and not a decion like it says in the headline.
Don, OK
 
5/1/2013 3:06:15 PM ET
I hope Hagel furloughs himself what a bum
Mr Fister, Harper's Ferry
 
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