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House Members Call on DOD to Lift Unnecessary Furloughs

October 3, 2013

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) joined with House colleagues to urge Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, Acting Homeland Security Secretary Rand Beers and OMB Director Sylvia Burwell to properly enforce the Pay Our Military Act. This letter was sent after hundreds of thousands of Department of Defense, U.S. Coast Guard civilians and members of the National Guard were furloughed.

The Pay Our Military Act (H.R. 3210) received unanimous support in both chambers of Congress and was signed into law by President Obama on Monday. It was designed to protect members of the Armed Forces (including reserve components), civilian personnel of the Department of Defense and U.S. Coast Guard, and contractors of the Department of Defense and U.S Coast Guard from furloughs or lost pay.

In addition to the letter, Congressman Cole supported the Pay Our Guard and Reserve Act (H.R. 3230) to ensure that pay and allowances will be made to members of the reserve and guard components of the Armed Forces who perform inactive-duty training.

“There is no reason for the Administration to needlessly furlough workers against the intent of Congress,” said Cole. “Both chambers immediately acted together to pass legislation that would guarantee pay for our military even in the event of a government shutdown. It is unacceptable for the Administration to go back on its word to protect our veterans and those who support our national security efforts.

Congressman Cole has also co-sponsored the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act (H.R. 3223). If passed, this legislation would ensure that federal workers receive lost pay for the duration of the funding gap. In particular, the bill would allow the 2,900 individuals at Tinker Air Force Base and more than 2,200 at Fort Sill in Lawton to be paid back, regardless of furlough status during the shutdown,.

“Shutdown was never the goal and certainly not the fault of federal employees. It’s unfair that they should lose working days and sacrifice their pay just because the Senate and President have delayed or refused to engage in negotiations with the House. I am pleased that the legislation introduced will ensure employees are compensated for lost pay.”

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Contact:Sarah Corley (202) 225 - 6165