Hagel: Shutdown would be ‘unnecessary and unwelcome distraction’
- Written by Webmaster
, said he would be “deeply disappointed if Congress fails to fulfill its most basic responsibilities.”
In the event of a shutdown, a large number of civilian employees and contractors would likely be temporary furloughed. If furloughed, law requires only civilians whose role directly supports military operations or is required to protect DOD personnel and property, continue to work. Military personnel across the globe, however, would continue to serve in a normal duty status.
Hagel called the looming government shutdown, an “unnecessary and unwelcome distraction from our mission of defending the nation.”
The Military Pay Protection Act, which would exempt some defense civilian employees, some defense contractors and service members from delayed pay during a shutdown, passed unanimously in the House on Sunday morning but has yet to go to the Senate.
