If Members of Congress fail to act, on March 1 sequestration will go into effect. This means $85 billion in across-the-board cuts for the first year, furloughs of federal employees, and delays of services to the American public. Federal Managers Association (FMA) National President Patricia Niehaus wrote to lawmakers on February 13 expressing FMA’s deep concerns on sequestration and the effects it will have. The threat of sequestration has been present for more than a year, and multiple agency heads have warned about the negative impact of sequestration. Yet Members of Congress have not developed a plan to avoid these cuts.

In her letter to the Hill, Niehaus stated, “With sequestration looming only two weeks away, departments and agencies are already recommending leaders develop furlough plans for permanent employees and terminate temporary workers, and not renew contracts if these cuts goes into effect. This means the critical services provided by these federal employees will fail to meet the standard the American public deserves.” She further added, “Make no mistake, the impact of sequestration will be calamitous.”

Sequestration severely limits the finances of federal agencies; limits the ability to meet congressionally mandated missions and goals; and, undermine the ability of the federal government. The Office of Personnel Management already issued a memo to agency leaders on the necessity to issue guidance to employees on how to approach sequestration. Agencies have already planned for furloughs, reductions of services, and tightening of budgets.

To read the entire letter, please visit the Members Only section of the FMA website, www.fedmanagers.org.