Two-Week Furloughs?

A Colorado Republican unveiled legislation Thursday that would reduce congressional members' salaries by 10 percent and force federal workers to take a two-week furlough in 2012.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Mike Coffman, would require federal employees to take a non-consecutive, two-week furlough next year as part of a deficit reduction plan. That combined with a 10 percent pay cut for members of Congress would save taxpayers some $5.5 billion, Coffman estimates.

"Furloughs are becoming commonplace for state and local governments, and it's only reasonable for the federal government to follow suit," he said.

Meanwhile, a coalition of 15 labor unions and employee groups sent a letter to President Obama on Thursday, urging him to reject proposals that would cut federal civilian retirement and health benefits, freeze federal pay and reduce the federal workforce by 10 percent. Specifically, the letter refutes proposals by the co-chairs of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform affecting the federal workforce.

"We can ill afford to lose our most talented and experienced employees at a time when we are facing unprecedented crises," the Federal-Postal Coalition wrote. "In light of the growing number of critical challenges being tasked to federal workers, the government cannot afford to make substantial reductions to the earned compensation of individuals who have dedicated their careers to public service."