Federal Managers Association
Press Release
- FMA MEMBERS GRATEFUL TO RETURN TO WORK, CAUTIOUS OF WHAT LIES AHEAD - October 17, 2013
Federal managers still face sequestration and a diminished budget in fiscal year 2014.
Alexandria, VA – Upon passage of a measure to temporarily fund the federal government, the Federal Managers Association’s (FMA) National President, Patricia Niehaus, released the following statement urging Congress to develop a sustainable budget through the appropriations process allowing the federal workforce to best serve the American people.
“Federal employees across the nation are excited to return to work. FMA members are dedicated patriots who strive to serve their fellow man. The past sixteen days have been difficult; federal employees worked without pay and there was a drastic reduction in services provided. Veterans’ and Social Security benefits were delayed; our national parks were closed; and, our military readiness was jeopardized. Not only was the federal government hurt by the shutdown, but local communities suffered as furloughed employees went unpaid and were unable to spend money in their local economies.
“While we are pleased Congress came together last night to end the shutdown, FMA remains concerned about the reliance on continuing resolutions for funding in lieu of an actual budget. Compounding the problem is sequestration continuing into FY14. With these financial restrictions, the federal government struggles to meet congressionally-mandated missions and goals; attract and retain a qualified federal workforce; and, and ensure a functioning federal government. It is FMA’s hope that our elected leaders can continue to put aside partisan politics, and develop a spending plan that keeps the federal government open for the American people.”