The largest union of federal workers is calling on Congress to pass a short-term funding bill for an immediate end to the government shutdown, which has left hundreds of thousands of people without pay.
The American Federation of Government Employees’ statement Monday will likely put pressure on Democratic lawmakers, a majority of whom oppose the bill, which would fund the government temporarily until Nov. 21.
The House passed Republicans’ bill in September, but Senate Democrats have repeatedly blocked it, seeking guarantees that the GOP will renew health care tax credits that are set to expire.
As a result of the standoff, federal employees have missed paychecks or are furloughed.
Federal workers would typically receive back pay once the government reopens, but the gap has left many strained, AFGE National President Everett Kelley said. “These are patriotic Americans — parents, caregivers, and veterans — forced to work without pay while struggling to cover rent, groceries, gas and medicine because of political disagreements in Washington,” AFGE’s statement said. “That is unacceptable.” The federal government officially shut down after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement before the start of the new fiscal year, which began Oct. 1.
Erum Salam is a breaking news reporter and producer for MS NOW. She previously was a breaking news reporter for The Guardian.
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