Summary
The U.S. government is facing a shutdown, prompting a dispute over whether federal workers who are furloughed during this time will automatically receive back pay. The White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued a memo suggesting that back pay is not guaranteed, which challenges the existing understanding based on the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019.
Key Facts
- The federal government is in its third week of a shutdown.
- The dispute involves whether furloughed federal employees will automatically be paid after funding is restored.
- The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 generally ensures federal workers are paid for the time they are furloughed after a shutdown.
- The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memo arguing that back pay is not automatically guaranteed.
- OMB's stance is based on the requirement for Congress to explicitly approve the funding.
- OMB's interpretation is different from previous guidance suggesting automatic back pay.
- The issue affects about 750,000 federal workers, either furloughed or working without pay.
- The matter involves questions about executive authority and its reach during funding lapses.
