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Cardin Discusses Debt Deal With Federal Workers

SUITLAND, Md. (AP) -- Federal workers and their union representatives are expressing concerns about how budget cuts will affect federal jobs.

Federal employees filled a library at the U.S. Census Bureau Complex in Suitland on Friday to listen to Maryland Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin talk about the deal brokered this week to raise the nation's debt ceiling to avoid federal financial default.

Cardin said the pressure is off on the initial proposal, but he says future budget reductions will be addressed in the
appropriations process. He also says Democrats will be fighting to preserve jobs.

Johnny Zuagar, a union representative with the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2782, said he was
concerned about potential future cuts, including a proposal floated by Republicans to cut between 650 and 700 jobs from the Census headquarters.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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