On a conference call with reporters Wednesday, Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) estimated that at least 900,000 federal employees would be furloughed in the event of a government shutdown. Furthermore, the Virginia lawmaker said the prospect of furloughed workers receiving back-pay would be “highly unlikely,” based upon his discussions with members of the House majority.
This news comes as budget negotiations on Capitol Hill have ground to a standstill. For weeks, the Administration has been working with members of both political parties in Congress to try and reach a mutually acceptable compromise. However, with the government set to shut down on Friday, April 8 at 11:59pm, a deal to fund the government seems more elusive than ever.
“This political gamesmanship has gone too far,” said NFFE National President William R. Dougan. “Congress can’t keep kicking the can down the road in hopes that the problem will go away. The decisions they make over the next 48 hours could mean the difference between making ends meet and financial ruin for many federal employees. It is time for Congress to do what we sent them to Washington to do, and deliver a bill that funds the critical federal services the American people rely on.”
For the past several weeks, NFFE and other federal unions have been pressuring the AdministrationLegislative Action Center.
For more information and frequently asked questions about government shutdowns, click here.