On Friday , the White House said the president would sign such a measure . Hagel : ` ` I want us to be able to significantly reduce -- but not eliminate -- civilian furloughs '' Pentagon and Justice Department were consulted on this , he says . Hours earlier , House passed bill to provide back pay to furloughed workers . Obama has signaled he would sign such a back - pay bill .
Hagel : ` ` I want us to be able to significantly reduce -- but not eliminate -- civilian furloughs '' Pentagon and Justice Department were consulted on this , he says . Hours earlier , House passed bill to provide back pay to furloughed workers . Obama has signaled he would sign such a back - pay bill .