We know that across-the-board sequestration cuts, if carried out, will have a devastating impact on many federal employees, contractors and programs, and the citizens they serve. The cuts for 2013 would total $109 billion and take effect Jan. 2, and they will occur if Congress is unwilling or unable to strike a long-term budget deal by then.

The Senate approved a six-month continuing resolution (CR) early Saturday morning, leaving one less task on Congress’ to-do list when lawmakers return in seven weeks following the November elections.

If the federal government's automatic sequestration cuts kick in as scheduled in January, the Defense Department would avoid laying off civilian employees. But that doesn't mean civilian feds can breathe a sigh of relief.

The Defense Department’s Military Family Readiness Council convened at the Pentagon yesterday with more family representation and an agreement to work to save troop and family support programs from budget cuts.

Sequestration will devastate every aspect of Defense Department spending, from fighting the war in Afghanistan and supporting troop health and morale to training, maintenance and modernization, and carrying out the defense strategic guidance, Pentagon Comptroller Robert F. Hale said today.

On the eve of a vote to adjourn Congress until after the elections, top military and civilian Defense Department officials unveiled new details on the harm that looming across-the-board budget cuts would inflict if they kicked in this January.

“My hope is that following the presidential election, whatever adults remain in the two political parties will make the compromises necessary to put this country back in order.” Those were the words of former defense secretary Robert M. Gates, speaking Monday before a bipartisan panel of former members of Congress who see the post-election “lame duck” session of Congress as the make-or-break time to take a real step toward dealing with our fiscal problems.

I have to admit that I am a fan of a good action movie or drama, where the heroes save the world or someone from doom. Though you may know what will happen, there is nothing like the suspense and challenge of watching good win out. Many stories are fictional, but some are based in fact.