Statement on Beginning of Furloughs
Representative Derek Kilmer released the following statement on the beginning of unpaid furloughs for thousands of civilian employees of the Department of Defense across the region. Workers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, throughout Naval Base Kitsap, and at Naval Magazine Indian Island in Jefferson County will be affected.
“Every day that Congress doesn’t work on a balanced, long-term budget plan to stop the across-the-board cuts is another day that folks around the country – like the thousands of folks in our region who begin unpaid furloughs this week – have to cover for Congress’ dysfunction. These men and women and their communities shouldn’t have to pay because Congress won’t work together. I’ll continue to work with both parties to pass a budget and end the reckless policy of sequestration once and for all.”
From day one, Representative Kilmer has called on Congress to stop the across-the-board cuts and replace them with a balanced, long-term solution to our economic problems including speaking twice about this issue on the floor of the House of Representatives.