Weekly Updates
Have you ever called my office for assistance? Did you know that my office can help with issues you might be having with federal government agencies? My office serves as a resource for constituents of the First District not only on votes and legislative information, but much more. So many of you call with your opinions, ideas and thoughts on the issues, and I enjoy hearing from you and appreciate your engagement with my office, and on behalf of our community and our country.
Too many desks sat idle this week, as furloughs began for many federal civilian employees in the Department of Defense (DOD) due to the indiscriminate budget cuts known as sequestration. These DOD workers are truly dedicated patriots who are tasked by Congress with their duties. Their efforts to support our war fighters are vital to the mission of our overall national security, and these cuts continue to undermine the strength of our military's readiness.
Last week we saw widespread support for our men and women in uniform as the full House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, which had been approved by the House Armed Services Committee the previous week. I was pleased to see a bipartisan show of commitment, both in committee and in the full House, to our all-volunteer force and to ensuring that our national defense infrastructure remains capable of protecting our freedoms.