WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Federation of Government Employees National President J. David Cox Sr. today issued the following statement in response to the announcement that Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton from Washington, D.C., will give up a day's pay for every day federal employees are furloughed as a result of sequestration:

"Congresswoman Norton is showing solidarity with federal workers in our nation's capital and across the country by voluntarily giving up her salary for every day federal employees are laid off without pay as a result of this sequestration madness. Even better, some employees who are furloughed could benefit directly from Ms. Norton's action, since her salary will be donated to the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund, which among other things provides no-interest loans and grants to federal employees experiencing financial hardships.

"Many of our members have pointed out that while they are furloughed, the senators and representatives responsible for sequestration will continue to be paid at taxpayers' expense. Congresswoman Norton should be applauded for taking a stand against this sort of hypocrisy. If members of Congress refuse to do the right thing and stop sequestration, the least they can do is experience the same financial sacrifice they are placing on federal employees."

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 670,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

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SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees