Cole Voices Concern with DOD Furloughs

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) expressed concern with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and its plan to institute mandatory furloughs for civilian workers. These furloughs will amount to 11 days of unpaid leave starting July 8 until the end of the fiscal year. Nearly 800,000 workers will be affected in order for DOD to meet the required budget cuts set by sequestration. However, navy shipyards will be exempt from these mandatory furlough days.

"While I appreciate the fact that, due to congressional action, we have cut the number of furlough days from 22 to 11 days, I am disappointed by the Defense Department's decision to furlough thousands of valuable civilian workers," said Cole. "A blanket 11-day furlough policy impacts specialized work that sometimes will not even translate into cost savings for the taxpayer. In some cases, these cuts will actually end up costing more money. The policy of mandatory civilian furloughs in every single department is misguided, and we must find a better course of action.

"The possibility of sequestration was not a surprise, and it is shameful that DOD and the Obama Administration failed to plan further in advance. Instead of protecting dedicated personnel, they have resorted to painful cuts in an effort to make a political statement."

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