Federal workers may not receive automatic backpay, according to a new memo from the White House.
The ongoing government shutdown in the United States, which has entered its eighth day, has prompted significant developments regarding the compensation of furloughed federal employees. The Biden administration is reportedly seeking to reinterpret a key legal precedent that traditionally ensures automatic back pay for those affected by government shutdowns, according to recent reports from ZezapTV.
A memo issued by the White House asserts that Congress must explicitly allocate funding for furloughed workers. This interpretation stems from a fresh reading of the “Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019,” a legislation enacted during the administration of former President Donald Trump following a protracted 35-day shutdown. The Act was designed to ensure that federal employees receive back pay after a shutdown ends.
In this context, the White House is challenging the conventional belief that such employees are automatically entitled to received pay during shutdowns. A senior White House official indicated that the administration’s stance hinges on the necessity of specific congressional action rather than default provisions of the law. This shift has sparked a range of opinions among lawmakers, including some Republicans who argue that the determination of federal worker pay should be a collaborative decision requiring congressional approval.
Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana stated on CBS News that while the President’s insights bear weight, the ultimate authority lies with Congress, which has historically appropriated funds for federal pay, including that of military personnel. The dynamic situation has led some analysts to view the White House’s stance as a strategic maneuver aimed at compelling dialogue among Democrats and the Republican majority, hoping to break the impasse that persists.
Currently, approximately 750,000 federal employees are on furlough due to the ongoing budgetary deadlock, accumulating daily compensation costs exceeding 0 million, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The Office of Personnel Management has promised that retroactive pay will be made available to affected employees as expeditiously as possible once the shutdown concludes. The total owed to workers now stands at .8 billion, with no immediate resolution in sight.
The ramifications of the shutdown extend beyond the political sphere, disrupting essential government operations, including the closure of national parks and museums. Airports, such as Hollywood Burbank Airport, have reported operational challenges due to staffing shortages related to the shutdown, leading to significant flight disruptions.
Faced with rising healthcare costs, Democrats are leveraging this moment to negotiate enhancements to Medicaid assistance and healthcare subsidies, which are set to expire soon. The political landscape continues to evolve as both parties prepare for the critical discussions ahead that will determine the future of federal funding and employee compensation.
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