Politics & Government

Government Shutdown Could Mean Furloughs At Calverton

The number of burials at Calverton National Cemetery could be curtailed if the federal government's shutdown continues.

The federal government's shutdown could have impacts close to home.

On Friday, Congressman Tim Bishop said if the shutdown extends beyond October 22, then Calverton National Cemetery would be forced to furlough approximately two thirds of its workers. 

Currently, there are 100 workers at the cemetery; the furlough would leave only 29.

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The move would decrease maintenance like grass cutting and reduce the number of burials that can be conducted on a daily basis.

“I am focused on getting the government open after a needless shutdown and protecting our nation from defaulting on its credit at the hands of irresponsible and reckless members of the House of Representatives," Bishop said Friday.

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Earlier, Bishop had said operations at the cemetery would remain fully funded until mid-October, however, it the shut-down continued, the employees would be furloughed.

Bishop, has called the furloughs across the board, including ones made on Tuesday at the 106 Rescue Wing in Westhampton, avoidable.

He said, "The House GOP has voted to ensure a harmful, and completely avoidable, shutdown of federal government operations beginning today. It is deeply reckless that the House leadership and its Tea Party-dominated caucus have abdicated their responsibility to govern and, instead, have chosen to pursue partisan political goals at the expense of the American people’s interests."


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