WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has stirred controversy by announcing there is no guaranteed back pay for federal workers affected by the ongoing government shutdown, undermining a policy that reassured 750,000 furloughed employees. This marked a significant reversal of a law signed after the longest government shutdown in 2019, which mandated federal employees receive back pay during funding lapses.
The memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) states that back pay must be included in any future legislation to fund the government, sparking fierce criticism from Democrats and some legal analysts. House Speaker Mike Johnson noted at a Capitol press conference that the administration’s decision may escalate the urgency for Democrats to reopen the government, now in its seventh day. However, he also indicated uncertainty about the legal necessity of repaying furloughed workers.
Sen. Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington and a key figure in Senate appropriations, condemned the administration's move, labeling it an intimidation tactic. She stated, Another baseless attempt to try and scare & intimidate workers by an administration run by crooks and cowards. She insisted that the law clearly entitles federal workers to their back pay after a shutdown.
Traditionally, despite the toll of shutdowns on federal employee paychecks, Congress has swiftly restored compensation once the government reopens. This new stance could lead to substantial legal challenges if the government fails to pay essential personnel who continue to work during the shutdown.
The memo from the OMB argues that while the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 demands payment after restoration of funding, it does not automatically guarantee that workers will be compensated without further legislative action. This contentious interpretation is fueling sharp divisions as Congress struggles to find common ground on federal budget concerns, especially over healthcare funding and subsidies.
As the deadlock continues with no signs of compromise, federal workers are left facing financial uncertainty, creating heightened urgency in a legislative fight that impacts them directly.
