WASHINGTON, D.C. – A day after sending a letter to Secretary Hagel regarding the implementation of the “Pay Our Military Act,” U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today issued a statement regarding Secretary Hagel’s announcement that many Department of Defense civilians placed on furlough during the government shutdown will be asked to return to work beginning next week:
 
“We will closely examine the Pentagon's plan to implement the guidance Secretary Hagel issued today that will permit many civilians, reservists and contractors to return to work and receive pay. The full-time members of the Maine National Guard and Reserves and the dedicated civilian employees who work at defense installations across Maine provide direct support to our military and therefore should be among those permitted to immediately return to work and receive pay.”
 
“In addition, we both firmly believe that a solution to end the government shutdown must be found immediately, because while this announcement provides welcome relief to many DOD employees, a resolution is necessary to ensure the remaining furloughed workers can return to work. The American people deserve a government that is open for business.”
 
Yesterday, Senators Collins and King joined a bipartisan group of 50 senators in sending a letter to Secretary Hagel yesterday urging him to review furlough policies in light of the “Pay Our Military Act” being made law. 

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