Summary
The White House is challenging a rule that ensures automatic back pay for furloughed federal workers after a government shutdown. They believe Congress needs to approve specific funding for this pay. This debate comes as the shutdown continues, affecting many federal employees and services.
Key Facts
- The White House is questioning the rule that provides automatic back pay to furloughed federal workers.
- The White House memo suggests Congress must approve the funding explicitly.
- The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 initially supported automatic back pay after shutdowns.
- The current shutdown began on October 1, affecting about 750,000 federal workers.
- The pay for these workers is calculated to be about $400 million per day.
- Louisiana Senator John Kennedy believes Congress, not President Trump, decides on worker pay.
- The shutdown has led to the closure of parks and museums and affected airport operations.
- Democrats are blocking a Republican spending bill, demanding changes in healthcare policy.
