Va. Reps, Senators urge Defense furlough flexibility

Hampton Roads’ Congressional delegation joined with Virginia’s two Senators today in urging Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to minimize the impact of potential furloughs for civilians who work within the Defense Department.

The delegation wrote in a letter to Hagel that individual defense agencies should have the flexibility to determine how they will handle furloughs. The department initially required 22 of the days of without pay, but reduced the number to 14 last month. Officials have said they are looking at further reducing the number, which are scheduled to be required by the end of the fiscal year, Sept. 30.

Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats, signed the letter, along with every Rep. from Virginia except Eric Cantor.

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