Summary
A White House memo suggested furloughed federal workers might not get backpay after the government shutdown. Congress members from both parties criticized this idea, saying that the law requires backpay for these workers. Many argue that President Trump's administration has no legal basis to withhold this pay.
Key Facts
- The White House memo proposed that backpay for furloughed workers is not guaranteed unless Congress passes an appropriations bill.
- The "Government Employee Fair Treatment Act" (GEFTA) is cited in the memo to justify this stance.
- Labor attorney Nekeisha Campbell and others argue there is no legal backing for the White House's interpretation of GEFTA.
- Democratic leaders insist that all furloughed workers are entitled to backpay by law.
- Some Republicans also oppose the memo, labeling it as ineffective strategy.
- President Trump mentioned that they would mostly take care of affected federal workers, but his comments left room for interpretation.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged differing legal opinions on the memo's claims.
- GEFTA is seen by many as ensuring backpay for all furloughed workers once funding is approved.
