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Pentagon notifies Congress of likely furloughs

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told Congress on Wednesday that if automatic government spending cuts kick in on March 1 he may be compelled to furlough the vast majority of the Defense Departments 800,000 civilian workers.

By Robert Burns | Updated on February 20, 2013
Outgoing Defense Secretary LeonPanetta speaks during his last news conference as defense secretary, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013. at the Pentagon. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told Congress on Wednesday that if automatic government spending cuts kick in on March 1 he may be compelled to furlough the “vast majority” of the Defense Department’s 800,000 civilian workers.

In a written message to employees, Panetta said that he notified members of Congress Wednesday that if the White House and Congress cannot strike a deficit reduction deal before March 1 to avoid the furloughs, all affected workers will get at least 30 days’ advance notice.

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