The decision to order the furloughed workers back, which was made by the defense secretary, Chuck Hagel, is based on a Pentagon legal interpretation of a law called the Pay Our Military Act. That measure was passed by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama shortly before the partial government shutdown began Tuesday.
Earlier this week, the National Security Agency, which operates under the jurisdiction of the Defense Department, furloughed an undisclosed number of employees. The Pentagon did not immediately say on Saturday exactly how many workers would return to work, and in which areas. It said "most" employees were being brought back.
"I expect us to be able to significantly reduce – but not eliminate – civilian furloughs under this process," Hagel said. "Employees can expect to hear more information from their managers starting this weekend."
Hagel also cautioned that while he would be able to bring back civilians, the "ay Our Military Act did not allow for the Defense Department to pay for some supplies necessary for many of them to do their jobs.
"Critical parts, or supplies, will run out, and there will be limited authority for the department to purchase more," Hagel said. "If there comes a time that workers are unable to do their work, I will be forced once again to send them home."
On Saturday, the House of Representatives passed a bill to retroactively reimburse 800,000 furloughed federal workers for pay lost in the government shutdown. The bill, which is supported by the Democratic-controlled Senate and the Obama White House, passed unanimously, 407-0.
