Updated: Sequestration Watch -- Potential agency-by-agency impacts of across-the-board cuts

This story has been updated.

Details are scarce on how the across-the-board budget cuts set to kick in on Jan. 2, 2013, would affect jobs at specific agencies. But some indications are trickling in. We have compiled a list of possible implications, should Congress and President Obama fail to reach a deficit reduction agreement in time to avoid the sequester. Some of the predictions are based on information from agencies, others are from outside groups analyzing the situation. We will update the list as more information becomes available. Please use the comment section below to let us know if you have additional information about your agency.

Agriculture Department: Echoed OMB's Dec. 20 email, noting in a memo that there would be no immediate furloughs on Jan. 2, 2013.

Commerce Department: Referred Government Executive to the Dec. 20 Office of Management and Budget email noting there would be no immediate furloughs on Jan. 2, 2013, but that furloughs are possible if the stalemate lasts too long. In the longer term, outside reports note the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association could face the loss of 2,500 jobs in weather and satellite programs, and 10,780 new jobs in water infrastructure would be threatened.  

Defense Departments: The department is in the early stages of planning. Defense's 800,000 civilian employees could face furloughs and a hiring freeze. Issued a memo on Dec. 20 in keeping with OMB's instructions, noting there would not necessarily be immediate action on Jan. 2, 2013.

Education Department: Furloughs are possible, according to Secretary Arne Duncan.

Energy Department: Referred Government Executive to OMB's Dec. 20 email on sequestration and said as of that afternoon, department officials had not sent out anything separate.

Federal Aviation Administration: As many as 2,200 air traffic controllers could be furloughed.

Federal courts: 20,000 employees could be furloughed for 16 days.

Homeland Security Department: 24,500 jobs could be slashed.

Interior Department: Sent a memo to staff saying there would be no immediate personnel actions, such as furloughs.

Justice Department: Possible five-week furloughs for FBI employees. 7,500 positions could be eliminated.

NASA: 20,500 contractors could lose their jobs.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Has ruled out furloughs or salary cuts.

Social Security Administration: Employees could be furloughed for two to three weeks.

Transportation Department: Referred Government Executive to the Office of Management and Budget.

Veterans Affairs Department: Mostly exempt from sequestration.

Kedar Pavgi completed the research for this report.