Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced that the number of furlough days civilian employees, including Rock Island Arsenal employees, must take was reduced to six. Earlier this year, the Secretary had set the number of furlough days at 11 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.
"While today`s announcement by Secretary Hagel is encouraging news for the men and women at the Rock Island Arsenal, it is unconscionable that civilian workers were forced to take a pay cut because of dysfunction in Washington. I opposed the creation of sequestration and I adamantly opposed the decision to furlough any dedicated individuals who work every day on behalf of our troops and national security. I remain committed to working on a bipartisan basis to replace sequestration with responsible deficit reduction that grows the economy and creates job. I 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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