Arlington National Cemetery: Budget Cuts, But No Furloughs Due to Sequestration

Arlington National Cemetery employees will be exempt from furloughs, though what many consider to be this country's most hallowed ground will still be subject to other cuts thanks to sequestration.

The cemetery has about 150 employees. It reported earlier this year that if furloughs were enacted, about 160 fewer burials would occur each month.

President Barack Obama's proposed budget included $173.8 million for Arlington National Cemetery for the current fiscal year.

If Congress continues to operate under a continuing resolution, the cemetery's budget would lose $103 million for expansion projects and another $25 million for critical infrastructure restoration, according to a news release.

Arlington National Cemetery's budget is being further reduced by 5 percent due to sequestration. The cemetery is using the last of its carry-over dollars from past years to absorb those cuts, the release states.

Army National Military Cemeteries Executive Director Kathryn Condon conveyed this information in testimony today before a House Appropriations subcommittee.

"Despite the challenges that further sequestration funding guidance and the Continuing Resolution present, we can assure the nation of this: burial services at Arlington will continue to be conducted with honor and dignity," Condon said, according to the news release.