WASHINTON, DC – With the possibility looming of 200,000 civilian defense employees being furloughed due to Democrats failure to fund the Global War on Terror, Congressman Randy Neugebauer released the following statement:

“I am disappointed that we have reached this point in which 200,000 dedicated civilian defense employees may have to be temporarily furloughed until Congress sends President Bush funding legislation for our troops in harm’s way. Congress has had ample opportunity to fund the troops without including harmful restrictions on our military commanders.

“Because these funds have not been provided, the Defense Department has little choice but to temporarily take workers off the payrolls in order to redirect funds in support of the troops. It is my sincere hope that Congress can resolve this and many other funding questions in a responsible manner next week so these workers remain employed and our troops on the ground have the resources they need.“