Hoyer Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Federal Employees' Pay During the Republican Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement on the introduction of the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act. Congressman Hoyer is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan legislation, introduced by Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08) and Rob Whittman (VA-01). The bill, which passed the Senate last night, ensures that federal workers receive back pay during a partial government shutdown:

"It's inexcusable that once again President Trump and Republicans in Congress have shut down the federal government. Shutting down the government because of political posturing is unacceptable, and the American people deserve better from their government. I join in cosponsoring this important legislation because our hardworking federal employees should not be punished for the chaos sown by Republicans. Our civil servants work tirelessly each and every day to serve the public. They ought not be penalized because Congress cannot get its work done on time."

A partial government shutdown temporarily suspends paychecks for federal employees, and retroactive pay for federal workers must be approved by Congress. The Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act guarantees that no federal employee loses pay during a government shutdown. Funding for the federal government expired at midnight on December 21.