Invoking a new law signed by President Obama, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ordered most civilian Defense Department employees who had been furloughed due to the budget impasse to return to work Oct. 7. The law, known as the Pay Our Military Act, authorized employees who "contribute directly to the morale, well-being, capabilities and readiness of service members," Hagel said. "Ultimately, the surest way to end these damaging and irresponsible furloughs, and to enable us to fulfill our mission as a department, is for Congress to pass a budget and restore funds for the entire federal government," he said.
