Democrats Propose Immediate Pay for Federal Workers Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown
As the government shutdown extends into its second week, some Senate Democrats are advocating for timely pay for federal workers, particularly military personnel and civilian employees. This comes amid ongoing uncertainty regarding budget negotiations.
Senate Proceedings and Shutdown Status
The Senate has rejected a stopgap funding bill for the seventh time, which would have funded the government until November 21. The shutdown has now lasted for over nine days, with little progress on negotiations expected to resume soon.
If the shutdown continues into next week, federal employees across various departments may see portions of their paychecks withheld. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have expressed a desire to prevent military personnel from experiencing delayed payments, with discussions underway on potential legislative options.
Proposed Legislative Solutions
- Nearly 80 House Democrats signed a letter urging Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the bipartisan Pay Our Troops Act (H.R. 5401) to a vote.
- This measure aims to ensure that military personnel, Defense Department civilians, contractors, and U.S. Coast Guard staff receive their pay on schedule.
- The bill was introduced by Rep. Jen Kiggans from Virginia, and enjoys bipartisan support with 148 cosponsors.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has publicly endorsed the effort to prioritize on-time pay for military members, echoing similar actions taken during the 2013 shutdown. However, the House remains in recess and Speaker Johnson has not indicated plans to reconvene for a vote.
Expanding Pay Protections
Some Senate Democrats are advocating to extend the pay guarantee beyond just military personnel. Senator Richard Blumenthal stated that first responders and other essential workers should also receive their pay on time.
Senator Ron Wyden proposed a new tax targeting billionaires to secure funding for timely pay for military members and essential employees like air traffic controllers. This suggestion hints at a broader debate on who qualifies for these protections.
Impact on Federal Employees
The Federal Aviation Administration reported a rise in absenteeism among air traffic controllers as employees confront the prospect of working without pay. Currently, over 1.5 million civilian federal workers are on the job, with most awaiting payment until government operations resume. An additional 620,000 employees are furloughed, guaranteed back pay, although concerns persist regarding delays.
Discussions and Diverging Opinions
- Senator Gary Peters voiced the need to consider immediate pay for both military and civilian employees, including air traffic controllers and TSA agents.
- Contrastingly, Senator Ruben Gallego emphasized supporting military pay but appeared less concerned about civilian workers’ compensation.
Senator Tim Kaine noted he was reviewing options to ensure military pay continues, while acknowledging that civilian employees would still receive back pay after the shutdown.
Meanwhile, several lawmakers have pushed for measures to protect federal workers from financial repercussions during this challenging period. Proposals include urging banks and credit unions to assist federal employees facing late payments and advocating that utility companies refrain from cutting off services due to missed payments.
Continuing Uncertainty
As legislators grapple with these issues, President Trump has threatened permanent budget cuts targeting programs he associates with Democrats. While he announced plans for widespread layoffs, such actions have yet to be implemented.
