Summary
Emails from 2019 support the White House's stance that federal law doesn't guarantee back pay for furloughed workers during a government shutdown. This belief, originating from the Trump administration, is causing tension with Congress and labor unions as it affects up to 750,000 federal workers.
Key Facts
- The White House believes that federal law does not assure back pay for furloughed workers due to an interpretation dating back to 2019.
- Emails from 2019 show the belief exists that the law requires congressional authorization for back pay.
- The "Government Employee Fair Treatment Act" was amended to indicate that back pay is not automatic, subject to future congressional action.
- President Trump signed the law during the 2019 government shutdown.
- Labor unions and some members of Congress argue against the current interpretation, believing it contradicts the original intent of the law.
- General counsel Mark Paoletta briefed Republican staffers about the OMB's interpretation.
- Approximately 750,000 federal workers may be affected during the ongoing shutdown.
- The current debate may lead to legal challenges as labor leaders and lawmakers push for guaranteed back pay.
