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As the U.S. government shutdown moves into its second week, the country's multi-billion
dollar defense industry is
having to adjust to the new environment. Defense contractor Lockheed Martin has put
about 24-hundred workers on unpaid leave due to the shutdown -- 20
percent less initially planned. However, United Technologies, which makes
Black Hawk helicopters, scrapped its furlough plans altogether.
On Monday there appeared to be little hope for a deal to end the shutdown after the weekend
passed with both sides
in deadlock. Lawmakers have until next Thursday to increase
the nation's multi-trillion dollar debt ceiling. White House National Economic Council Director
Gene Sperling did not rule out a short-term increase to the borrowing
cap, such as two or three weeks, which could offer more time for an agreement.