As the government shutdown drags on, there are growing concerns about timely pay for military and civilian employees. Senate Democrats are pushing for measures to ensure that military personnel receive their paychecks without delay, similar to situations in past shutdowns.
On Thursday, the Senate rejected a budget plan again, extending the shutdown beyond its ninth day. Lawmakers seem far from serious negotiations, and a resolution remains elusive. If the shutdown continues into next week, many government workers will see parts of their paychecks withheld.
Nearly 80 House Democrats recently urged Speaker Mike Johnson to schedule a vote on the bipartisan Pay Our Troops Act (H.R. 5401). This bill aims to ensure timely payment for military members, Department of Defense civilians, and contractors, gaining support from both sides of the aisle. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has expressed strong support for this initiative, recalling similar measures taken during the 2013 shutdown.
In addition to military pay, some senators are advocating for timely compensation for other essential workers. Senator Richard Blumenthal emphasized that not only the military, but also public safety and national security personnel, need support. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration reported increased absenteeism among air traffic controllers amidst pay uncertainties.
Statistics show that over 1.5 million federal employees are working through the shutdown without pay. Another 620,000 are furloughed but are legally entitled to back pay. Senator Gary Peters highlighted the discussions around which workers might be prioritized for timely pay to prevent financial strain during the shutdown.
There are mixed feelings on this issue. While some Democrats want broader support for all government employees, others maintain that military pay should be the top priority due to its critical nature. Senator Ruben Gallego noted the tough choices that need to be made, citing the disparity in pay between military and civilian roles.
Amidst these discussions, some lawmakers are taking preventive steps. A group of senators has introduced a measure to guide financial institutions in helping federal workers avoid fees or credit issues during the shutdown. They’re also encouraging utility companies not to cut off services for affected workers.
The current shutdown reflects a recurring challenge in government funding. Historically, similar situations occurred in previous administrations, often leading to delayed paychecks and financial stress among federal employees. This year, the stakes seem even higher as the pressure mounts on all parties to find a solution quickly.
For now, it remains to be seen how the negotiations will unfold and what impact they will have on the lives of millions of workers across the country.
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military, shutdown, air traffic controller, furloughs, back pay
