Federal furloughs coming?

[JoeA]

http://www.myfederalretirement.com/public/736.cfm


Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO) last week introduced a bill that would subject federal civilian employees to a two week furlough in 2011 and reduce salaries of members of Congress by 10 percent saving taxpayers more than $5.5 billion.

The bill, H.R. 6134, is a one year measure to reduce federal spending. according to Coffman, and combats the deficit spending in Washington. Under the bill, if passed, federal civilian employees are subject to a non-consecutive two week furlough in 2011, and it will correspondingly reduce appropriations for salaries and expenses for offices of the legislative branch, and provide a 10 percent reduction in pay for members of Congress. An exception is provided for national security or reasons relating to public health or safety, including law enforcement.
"The federal government continues to grow, and continues to rack up debt. I would like to make the U.S. government as cost conscious as the states. My legislation is a start," Coffman stated.

Link to the bill: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.111hr6134


"Zipitty do dah, Zipitty ay! My oh my, what a wonderful day! Plenty of sunshine heading our way..zipitty do dah, zipitty-ay!"

[Aught Six]

Well, don't get your hopes up. There's less than two weeks left before the House adjourns so members can hit the campaign trail in earnest. Even if the bill made it out of committee in time, which it won't, I sincerely doubt that Pelosi would allow it to be considered on the floor. Coffman knows it. He's simply making a statement and trying to play to his base.

[sconnyhunter]

He's also introducing legislation that all Americans want to see. By doing this, he can resurrect it in Dec.
When the legislature comes back in session before the newly elected take their place in Jan. Hopefully, after which, he can then get a committee vote, and possibly a floor vote to send it to the senate.

[Aught Six]

Originally Posted by sconnyhunter

He's also introducing legislation that all Americans want to see. By doing this, he can resurrect it in Dec.
When the legislature comes back in session before the newly elected take their place in Jan. Hopefully, after which, he can then get a committee vote, and possibly a floor vote to send it to the senate.

That's technically possible, but I almost guarantee that it won't happen as long as Pelosi is calling the shots. Lame duck session or not, chances are 99.999% that it will die in committee.

If the Republicans take the majority, though, he might get some traction. He'll probably reintroduce it in any case.

[sconnyhunter]

That's certainly a possibility, though, we must consider that Pelosy is also up for re-election this year, and her chances are narrowing by the day. So its possible that we may well have a new speaker of the House.