Fox News
Expand
Browse All Video
Watch Live

You're watching...

Anger over WH message on WARN Act

Details

  • Description

    Lawmakers speak out against administration memo

  • Duration 2:15
  • Date

Clips

Also in this playlist...

Editor's Picks

Auto-advance: ON

Auto-advance
View All

Transcript

This transcript is automatically generated

-- the prospect of massive defense cuts comes closer to reality.

And now one Republican senator has some incredibly strong language about the Obama administration's recent directive.

To defense contractors who have been on the story since the beginning chief congressional correspondent Mike Emanuel is here.

Today's development could be much.

-- -- a key member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Senator Lindsey Graham says we are in danger of no longer being a rule of law nation.

This is a huge deal and it is a mini -- here having the executive branch.

Unilaterally telling the private -- -- ignoring congressional statute.

Again what kind of president would this that in the future -- would stop future presidents from ignoring laws they don't like.

Graham is angry about this memo from the Office of Management and Budget which says quote.

-- well the Department of Labor concluded that is neither necessary.

Who are appropriate for federal contractors provide warn act notice to employees sixty days in advance of the potential sequestration.

Because of uncertainty about whether sequestration will occur and if it did what effect it would have -- particular contracts.

The administration also notes even if -- sequester were to occur.

The Pentagon does not expect to terminate or substantially modify contracts until months after January 2.

Lockheed Martin is one defense contractor that has said it will honor the administration's request to hold off sending out layoff notices.

The defense contractors have also been assured that if there are lawsuits filed against them the administration is planning to pick up the tactic on their legal fees.

Graham says the law is clear and sequestration is reality for now.

That's an absurd interpretation.

Of course you can change any statute but until it's changed it has to be complied -- And right now there is no agreement in the converse with the White House.

Senator John McCain estimates the price tag if sequestration happens and the Pentagon needs to reimburse contractors for severance costs.

Could be four billion dollars in a letter to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta McCain says he plans to deny any transfer -- money.

That could have been avoided by simply complying with the law.

Brett stay Mike thank you.

-- -- --

Load More