[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         FEDERAL FURLOUGH BILL

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                           HON. MIKE COFFMAN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2010

  Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, one of the most unpleasant 
adjustments a former small businessman or former State legislator--and 
I am both--faces in coming to DC is the unlimited ability of the 
Federal Government to deficit spend. We all know that small businesses 
have to balance the books, or they go out of business. At least, that 
was true before the bailout culture took hold here in DC. And unlike 
the spendthrift ways prevalent in this building, State governments 
generally have to balance their budgets.
  Currently, at least 24 States, and nearly three fourths of a million 
workers, are undertaking a budget-cutting maneuver that I believe we 
should consider at the Federal level: short term employee furloughs. 
These States, across the Nation, along with city and county government 
counterparts, recognize that occasional worker furloughs are necessary 
to cut budgets and hold down spending. It also has the benefit of 
ensuring that Federal workers are not sheltered from the realities of 
life in today's economy.
  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. It will make Federal civilian 
employees subject to a non-consecutive two-week furlough next year, 
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 the public health or safety, including 
effective law enforcement. This bill will save the Federal Government 
over $5.5 billion.
  Furlough Fridays are becoming a common occurrence for State and local 
governments. They present slight problems but they provide large 
solutions to the budget troubles we face. I believe that managed 
appropriately, with due allowance for vital and national security 
implications, as specified in this bill, they can do the same for the 
Federal Government.

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