Updated Key Messages On Continuing Resolution and Sequestration

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Below are updated (post March 1) talking points regarding continuing resolution and sequestration.

Key Messages:
1) Our goal is to protect forward-deployed readiness
2) These decisions, though difficult, will be implemented at the last possible moment and are designed to be reversible where possible
3) There is still time for Congress to act to pass a spending bill and find an alternative to sequestration

Talking Points:
1. Living under a long-term CR is a big problem for us.
-CR limits our flexibility to react because it does not allow us to transfer funds to OMN from other accounts
-Based on last year's spending levels that do not fully cover the programs and priorities we submitted to Congress this year-calculus of the CR underfunded our operation and maintenance accounts (OMN) by $3.2B.

2. Sequestration has taken effect--our focus is on executing the cuts in smartest and most effective way possible.
-The sequestration deadline has come and gone-we now face an additional $4B-$5B cut for this year alone -- further reducing training and readiness.
-Because sequestration was triggered in March -- nearly half-way through the fiscal year -- the Navy must absorb the additional cut in only a few months, requiring draconian reductions to the OMN account.
-Sequestration removes any chance of flexibility when it comes to managing these cuts-- no room to maneuver.

3. The threat of an extended period of CR, plus the cuts required by sequestration, fundamentally alter the Navy's ability to fight, train, and maintain our ships, aircraft, and other critical equipment.
-We know there will be short and long term readiness impacts -- but we remain mission focused
-We remain committed to keeping our people informed.
-Be ready means be safe -- in this time of fiscal uncertainty, we have to manage these changes while minimizing risks to our force and to our mission.

4. Sequestration requires all military services and defense agencies to furlough most DoD civilian employees for an average of one day per week for up to 22 weeks beginning Apr. 25, 2013.
-This equates to a 20 percent cut in pay which will negatively affect morale.