How is the sequester affecting federal agencies?
The government-wide spending cuts known as the sequester took effect on March 1, forcing $85 billion in budget reductions by the end of September. The federal workforce faces furloughs, hiring freezes, and reduced overtime. Agencies say the cuts will mean reduced government services. Initial effects include closing of contract airport towers and longer customs lines, but other reductions will materialize in coming months. Congress’s new short-term funding plan locks in the cuts while shifting some agencies’ funds to help ease the burden.
Update: In July, the Post surveyed 48 of the administration’s predictions across 14 federal agencies about the cuts' dire consequences.
Here's what we found.
Agency |
Projected impact |
Actual impact |
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On federal workforce |
On public services |
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SOURCE: Federal agencies via the Senate Appropriations Committee. GRAPHIC: Darla Cameron and Josh Hicks - The Washington Post.
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