Merkley, Wyden Backing Bills to Stand Up for Federal Workers During Republican Shutdown

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden said today they joined their Senate colleagues to co-sponsor two bills to pay all federal employees, federal contractors, and servicemembers during the ongoing Republican-led government shutdown.
“President Trump and Congressional Republicans don't get to pick and choose who they want to pay and not pay during a government shutdown—full stop,”Merkley said. “If Republicans are serious about ensuring all federal workers get their paychecks, they must work with Democrats to swiftly pass a common-sense solution.”
“Donald Trump isn’t a king who can treat federal workers like pawns as part of his maneuvers during this shutdown he and congressional Republicans created,”Wyden said.“This legislation would ensure tens of thousands of federal workers in Oregon along with their colleagues across the country get the pay they have earned for doing their jobs.”
TheTrue Shutdown Fairness Act—led by Maryland’s U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen—would pay all federal employees, including those excepted and furloughed, as well as servicemembers and federal contractors. The bill would also stand up against the Trump Administration’s attempts at mass firings (Reductions in Force or RIFs) while the federal government is shut down.
Full text of theTrue Shutdown Fairness Actcan be found by clickinghere.
TheMilitary and Federal Employee Protection Act—led by Michigan’s U.S. Senator Gary Peters—would pay military personnel, federal employees, and federal contractors whose salaries have been interrupted by the current government shutdown. The bill would provide a one-time appropriation to pay servicemembers, federal employees, and contractors who have missed any compensation from October 1 to the date the bill is enacted, because of this government shutdown. The bill ensures that both furloughed employees, as well as employees who have been excepted from furlough status and are continuing to work, are guaranteed to receive their standard pay. The bill would also require that all employees receive any delayed compensation within one week of enactment, to ensure they are paid in a timely fashion.
Full text of theMilitary and Federal Employee Protection Actcan be found by clickinghere.