October 07, 2013

ICYMI: Manchin Letter to Secretary Hagel Results in Ending National Guard and Reserve Furlough

Washington, D.C. – ICYMI: On Friday, Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) led an effort to make sure all service members, the National Guard, and civilian workers who help protect the United States return to work during the government shutdown. Senator Manchin, along with a group of 49 bipartisan senators, sent a letter to Secretary Hagel to ensure that the “Pay Our Military Act” was quickly implemented so all service members, including National Guard and Reserves, and civilians who work for the Department of Defense, return to their jobs as quickly as possible.

Nearly 24 hours later, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced that he would recall approximately 90 percent of defense employees. While this is a good start, Senator Manchin will continue to review the details of this announcement with leaders of the National Guard, the Department of Defense, and the Administration to ensure that our national security is not disrupted.

Senator Manchin has also thanked Secretary Hagel, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Sylvia Mathews Burwell, and Adjutant General James Hoyer of the West Virginia National Guard for working together to quickly resolve some of the issues the military is experiencing during the government shutdown.

To read Senator Manchin’s letter to Secretary Hagel, please click here. 

To read a Washington Post article on the Defense Department’s announcement to recall most furloughed workers, please click here.

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