When the U.S. government shuts down, many federal workers won’t get paid. However, Congress members will still receive their salaries. This was highlighted by Dan Koh, a former aide to President Biden and host of The People’s Cabinet podcast. In a recent clip, he pointed out the unfairness of the situation, noting that while lawmakers still get their paychecks, janitors—who often work for private contractors—are left without income during a shutdown.
Koh mentioned that there’s no obligation for these contractors to pay their employees during government shutdowns. As a result, janitors could face significant financial hardship.
Currently, the shutdown is tied to conflicts between Democrats and Republicans over issues like Affordable Care Act subsidies and Medicaid cuts. These debates are at the heart of why the government is currently stalled.
Who Gets Paid in a Shutdown?
During a shutdown, Congress members keep their salaries. Despite proposals to prevent this, no laws have been passed to change it. The Constitution guarantees lawmakers their pay, making them immune to the furloughs that affect many federal employees. Senators and representatives earn $174,000 annually, while higher leadership roles receive more.
However, most federal employees, including those deemed essential—like TSA agents—do not receive pay during such closures. A 2019 law states that those furloughed will eventually get back pay, but this does not extend to contractors.
The Impact on Contractors
Koh’s claim that janitors never get paid during a shutdown has merit. Although not all contracted workers are automatically furloughed, many find themselves in this situation. Labor experts explain that the lack of federal oversight means that payment for contractors isn’t guaranteed.
Jim Malatras, a strategist from The Fedcap Group, a nonprofit that hires people with disabilities for janitorial contracts, indicated that their employees may still be paid if funds allow. Still, this isn’t the case for everyone, and many contractors choose to stop payments altogether.
According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, contractors often don’t receive back pay. While they might include extra costs in their contracts to account for potential shutdowns, many workers suffer permanent income loss when budgets are frozen. This has become a recurring issue in past shutdowns.
In 2023, some Democratic senators proposed a bill to secure back pay for contractors, but it hasn’t progressed.
The Bigger Picture
Experts warn that the implications of shutdowns extend beyond just lost wages. The economic ripple effects can affect local economies and small businesses that rely on federal contracts. Each shutdown creates uncertainty, and many contractors don’t have the financial cushion needed to support their employees through long pauses in funding.
As this pattern emerges, it raises questions about the government’s responsibility toward those who work to support it, especially the contractors who often remain in the shadows during negotiations.
In summary, Congress members continue to be paid during shutdowns while many federal workers, especially contractors, face financial struggles. As Koh noted, this disparity highlights an ongoing issue regarding the treatment of workers in federal roles. With more shutdowns likely in the future, the conversation about fair wages and compensation for all involved will remain relevant.
For further information, you can read a detailed analysis on PolitiFact or explore resources from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
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