The Trump administration’s budget office claims that furloughed federal workers won’t receive automatic back pay after the government shutdown ends, causing tensions in Washington. According to a new memo, lawmakers must specifically set aside money to compensate workers returning from furloughs. This contradicts previous interpretations of the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act and has sparked disagreement among policymakers. The administration hopes this move will increase its leverage in negotiations with Democrats, but Democrats say it’s a hollow threat that may push them further apart.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/10/07/federal-workers-not-entitled-back-pay-after-shutdown-budget-office-says