CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The Pentagon says New Hampshire could be facing $5.8 million in Defense Department civilian payroll cuts if automatic government spending cuts kick in March 1.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told Congress on Wednesday that if a budget deal isn’t reached, he may have to shorten the workweek for the ‘‘vast majority’’ of the Defense Department’s 800,000 civilian workers. They'd lose one day of work per week, or 20 percent of their pay, for up to 22 weeks, probably starting in late April.

The Pentagon’s budget chief, Robert Hale, told reporters the economic impact would be felt nationwide.