Rep. Jeff Hurd on Government Shutdowns and Federal Worker Backpay

Federal Worker Backpay Guarantees

• 📌 Federal law, specifically a 2019 statute, requires that furloughed federal employees receive back pay after a government shutdown.
• 💡 Representative Hurd stated that furloughed workers are not at fault for the shutdown and should not be punished by not receiving their pay.
• ⚠️ He expressed uncertainty about any authority that would prevent back pay for employees furloughed through no fault of their own.

President Trump's Stance on Backpay

• 💬 When asked about backpay for furloughed workers, President Trump indicated that it would depend on who is being discussed.
• 📊 There were also reports suggesting the Office of Management and Budget was preparing for potential mass firings, which would go beyond typical furloughs.

Call for Government Reopening

• 🎯 Hurd emphasized the importance of reopening the government to avoid discussions of furloughs or terminations.
• ✅ He urged Democrats to pass a clean continuing resolution to allow both Republicans and Democrats to complete the ordinary budgeting process.