Hanna Votes to Eliminate Furloughs, Increase Funding for Rome Lab

Press Release

U.S. Representative Richard Hanna voted to eliminate furloughs for civilian employees of the Department of Defense like those at the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) in Rome.

Rep. Hanna voted in favor of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2014, which is the annual funding bill Congress authorizes to support our troops and provide for the common defense. The bill funds several programs that are vital to our nation's continued defense and security. It also provides for a 1.8 percent pay increase for our nation's military personnel.
Funding for Rome Lab's research and development efforts would be supported with a $33 million increase through this bill, as was previously authorized by the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act.

"This funding increase recognizes the important, high-tech work being done right here in the Mohawk Valley," Rep. Hanna said. "This shows upstate New York will continue to be a leader in advanced technology innovations that aid our national security.

"Importantly, this bill prohibits civilian employees of the Department of Defense from being furloughed," Rep. Hanna continued. "I do not believe such furloughs -- which are imposed by sequestration -- are the best way to find savings. I remain committed to replacing sequestration with targeted and responsible spending cuts. I hope that the Senate will act swiftly to address this measure as well."
If signed into law, these measures would restore full pay and work weeks for civilian employees in our community at DFAS, Rome Lab, and the Eastern Air Defense Sector, as well as military technicians.

The bill was approved Wednesday evening by a vote of 315 -- 109. It now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

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