Senate Democrats recently blocked a Republican bill aimed at paying federal employees during the government shutdown. The vote on the Shutdown Fairness Act ended with 53 in favor and 43 against, falling short of the 60 votes needed to move forward.
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) expanded the bill to cover furloughed employees and federal contractors, which is a step up from its initial focus on only those still working. The proposed payments would be retroactive to October 1, when the shutdown began.
In defending the bill, Johnson argued that it wouldn’t give the Trump administration too much power. He emphasized the need to pay federal workers, saying, “Every employee is now included. There’s no discretion whatsoever.” Meanwhile, Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) raised concerns that the bill still allowed the administration to limit pay and diversion of funds.
As the shutdown drags on, many federal employees are feeling the pinch. Most have missed two paychecks and face mounting financial stress. Experts warn that prolonged shutdowns can harm employees’ credit scores and overall well-being. This sentiment is echoed by the American Federation of Government Employees. Their president, Everett Kelley, spoke out, noting that each missed paycheck deepens the crisis for families affected by the shutdown.
Last week, the federal union called for a clean continuing resolution, urging Congress to focus on reopening the government before engaging in political debates. It’s important to remember that a 2019 law guarantees retroactive pay for federal workers after a shutdown. However, recent comments from the White House raised questions about the interpretation of this law, leading to further concerns among lawmakers and unions.
Just earlier this week, there were signs of bipartisan efforts to resolve the shutdown. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) proposed a new deal, though Republicans dismissed it as unworkable. The Senate is set to remain in session over the weekend, marking a notable shift since the shutdown began.
Amid this political tug-of-war, countless federal employees continue to face uncertainties about their financial futures. History shows that government shutdowns not only disrupt services but can also leave lasting scars on the workforce. As discussions continue, the voices of those affected are more important than ever.
Source link
american federation of government employees,chuck schumer,everett kelley,excepted employees,furloughed employees,gary peters,john thune,military and federal employee protection act,ron johnson,shutdown fairness act
