Pentagon Furloughs Still Uncertain as Services Disagree

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said he’s still reviewing options that may avert furloughs more than three months after the Pentagon said automatic budget cuts may require unpaid leave for as many as 750,000 civilian workers.

“We are examining every option for responsible cuts in order to minimize or possibly eliminate the necessity of furloughs,” Hagel said in a letter to Representative James Lankford. “However, furloughs may be necessary during sequester to assure that the funding for our warfighters and readiness meet mission requirements.”