The 43-day government shutdown last fall caused a financial pain for a number of
government workers. Representative Josh Gottheimer (D, 5th District) is asking why,
particularly when it comes to veterans.
Last week, Gottheimer and three other Representatives announced the introduction of
the Shutdown Fairness Act — bipartisan legislation to guarantee federal employees,
service members, reservists, and contractors get paid in full and on time in the event of
a government shutdown.
The Shutdown Fairness Act requires federal agencies to continue paying workers
during a lapse in appropriations. It does not authorize any new spending; instead, it
guarantees that employees receive their regular paychecks on time, rather than waiting
weeks or months for backpay after a shutdown ends.
“Federal workers and service members are not political pawns — they’re hardworking
Americans who keep our country safe, moving, and running,” Gottheimer said. “They
shouldn’t be forced to miss paychecks because Washington can’t get its act together.
This bill will make sure no federal worker or service member ever has to worry about
putting food on the table because of Congress’s dysfunction.”
The Shutdown Fairness Act would help prevent backlogs, service disruptions, and
contract delays that pile up during shutdowns.
During the most recent 43-day government shutdown, families struggled due to missed
paychecks. The Shutdown Fairness Act ensures that these workers are never again
forced to bear the brunt of Washington gridlock.
The bipartisan bill is endorsed by more than a dozen labor and professional
organizations representing federal workers, first responders, airline employees, and
pilots, including:
- The American Federation of Government Employees ;
- The National Air Traffic Controllers Association;
- National Association of Letter Carriers;
- National Association of Retired and Federal Employees;
- The Federal Managers Association;
- The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA;
- The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association;
- The International Association of Fire Fighters;
- The Council of Prison Locals 33;
- The National Treasury Employees Union;
- Southwest Airlines Pilots Association;
- Coalition of Airline Pilots Association;
- NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots;
- Transport Workers Union;
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers;
- Partnership for Public Service;
- Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association;
- Allied Pilots Association.
