Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement as furlough days begin this week for most civilian employees, including Rock Island Arsenal employees, within the Department of Defense. These employees will be furloughed for 11 days through September due to budget cuts that were created by sequestration and other budgetary factors. Loebsack has been opposed to these drastic cuts since they were created by the Budget Control Act, which he voted against. He has repeatedly called on Congressional leaders to work to find a balanced, commonsense way to replace sequestration and responsibly deal with the fiscal situation facing the nation.
"The furlough days that begin this week are the result of Washington dysfunction hitting the men and women working at the Rock Island Arsenal. It is unconscionable that the workers who stand up for our country and support our troops day after day are being forced to take a pay cut because Congress and the Administration can't work together to replace the arbitrary cuts. Forcing middle class families and the Quad Cities economy to pay for Washington's dysfunction is reprehensible.
"Sequestration is an irresponsible and illogical way to deal with our nation's fiscal challenges. It is inexcusable that Congress has so far refused to come back to the table and replace sequestration in a commonsense, balanced fashion. We have to address our economic needs while more substantially reducing the deficit over the long-term. I remain committed to working with anyone to address this issue and will continue to fight for the hardworking men and women at Rock Island Arsenal and the people who sequestration has affected most."
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