Washington — Over 1.4 million federal employees are finally set to receive back pay after a frustrating 43-day government shutdown. Depending on their agency, some could see their paychecks as early as this Sunday, while others may have to wait until next Wednesday, November 19.
The White House’s Office of Management and Budget provided a breakdown of when employees could expect payments. This plan was first shared by Semafor, and confirmed by CBS News.
During the shutdown, many essential workers kept their jobs without pay, while nonessential staff were furloughed. Thankfully, both groups are entitled to back pay for their missed wages.
The administration aims to have all backlogged payments processed by November 19. Employees were urged to expedite payment processing accurately. While the timing of the paychecks varies by agency, most workers will first receive pay covering only the period from October 1 to November 1, excluding bonuses or overtime. Payments for work after November 1 and any additional compensation will come in the next pay period.
The first round of payments includes employees at the Defense Department, Veterans Affairs, and other key agencies. For instance, Army civilians will start seeing their payments this Sunday. They will receive their base pay, along with overtime and hazard pay for essential work done during the shutdown.
More than 150,000 employees from various agencies, including NASA and the Environmental Protection Agency, will get their paychecks on Monday, November 17, but again, these only cover base pay. A broader group, including those from the Small Business Administration and Departments of Agriculture and Labor, are set for payments on Wednesday, November 19, covering the entire shutdown period from November 1 to November 13.
The plight of unpaid federal workers became a significant issue during the Senate’s negotiations to fund the government. This growing concern prompted eight Senate Democrats to align with Republicans, leading to an end to the stalemate. The House passed the funding package, which President Trump signed into law, effectively bringing the shutdown to a close.
Looking ahead, the new legislation extends government funding until January 30, meaning the possibility of another shutdown is looming. As a point of comparison, the 2018-2019 government shutdown lasted 35 days, making this recent one the longest in U.S. history.
Paying federal employees on time is crucial for the economy. In fact, a survey from the Federal Reserve showed that a significant number of federal workers live paycheck to paycheck, highlighting how critical these payments are for many families across the nation. Public sentiment on social media has been overwhelmingly supportive of the workers, with calls for better funding solutions and greater job security for federal employees.
This situation not only affects those directly involved but also resonates throughout communities, as many relied on local businesses during the shutdown. As the dust settles, it’s clear that continued discussions around effective government funding will be essential to prevent future disruptions.
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