Wittman Statement on Defense Department Furlough Reductions

Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement after Secretary Chuck Hagel's announcement reducing civilian furloughs at the Department of Defense:

"While I am pleased to hear of the reduction of furlough days for DoD employees, I remain concerned about the uncertainty for these employees, and for the overall state of our nation's defense. There's no question that while the individuals and families affected by these furloughs will feel relief until September 30, so many questions remain unanswered. That's why I have called on Congress to finish its work, and to stay in Washington, D.C. to debate and address critical issues, such as sequestration and the overall appropriations process. Congress has left town without providing any certainty for a fiscal year that begins in less than 60 days. That's simply unacceptable.

"55 days from now we face the beginning of a new fiscal year and an additional $52 billion in cuts. No one wants to see furloughs again in fiscal year 2014 and my fear is that if we do not work to replace the sequester cuts, we will face even more drastic consequences."

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.

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