As previously reported, across-the-board Government budget cuts, known as the Sequester or Sequestration, will become effective March 1, unless a deficit reduction plan is agreed upon by Congress and the White House.

Several news organizations have continued their reports on how the budget cuts are expected to affect the different Government agencies. In an article published by the Herald Times, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is quoted saying that once the budget cuts become effective, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will stop all overtime for current employees, and will stop hiring new employees.

CBP employees also face furloughs, which would begin after April 1. The Herald Times reported that as a result of the decrease in Customs personnel, there could be potential delays in all ports, including border crossings, both for passengers and cargo.

It is important to note that the effect of these budget cuts will be different from agency to agency. More information will be provided as the situation develops.

For any further information, please visit the links below, or contact your local Expeditors office.
 

Please click here for the Herald Times article.

Guidance on Administrative Furloughs by the Office of Personnel Management can be found here.

Other articles by CBS News, the Washington Post, and Politico are also available.