Over 700,000 Department of Defense civilians employees will be affected by a furlough if sequestration occurs or if Congress decides to extend the Continuing Resolution through the fiscal year. The projected impact of this furlough is a 20% reduction to their take home pay. Many live paycheck-to-paycheck trying to recover from years of recession and real estate failures and are just starting to get back on their feet. They don't yet have sufficient savings built back up to cover the announced 20% cuts.
I am asking that you pass a bill easing the impact on furloughed employees and their families. I propose a bill that allows those affected by sequestration to withdraw an equal amount lost without having to pay taxes or the standard 10% penalty from their retirement accounts..