The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering temporary employee furloughs as and other cost cutting measures as part of preparations for looming across the board federal spending cuts that would kick in beginning March 1 if the White House and Congressional Republicans can’t agree on some sort of budget plan.
In making preparation for sequestration, “our guiding principle is to protect our ability to perform our critical missions,” Rafael Borras, under secretary for Management at DHS, said in a Feb. 6 memorandum to department employees
Borras also said that where possible steps will be taken “to cut operational or administrative costs in areas such as travel, facilities, and supplies.” DHS “will use any flexibilities we have to protect our core operations and mission,” he said.
Contracts and other types of spending are also being examined for cost reductions, Borras said.
Regarding temporary employee furloughs, Borras said affected workers would be given 30 days notice before being furloughed.