The largest union representing federal workers is urging lawmakers to pass a short-term spending measure to end the government shutdown. The group urged Democrats to collaborate with Republicans to support a temporary solution.
The message came three days after about 1.4 million federal employees missed their first full paycheck since the shutdown began Oct. 1.
Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.
Point phone camera here
It could put pressure on Democrats, who have refused to support a temporary spending bill without a commitment from Republicans to extend health care subsidies through the Affordable Care Act.
What did the union say?
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) wrote on Monday that lawmakers have used government shutdowns to make political points and that they hurt the American public. The group cited a poll showing 90% of Americans think this shutdown is a problem.
“It’s time to pass a clean continuing resolution and end this shutdown today,” said Everett Kelley, AFGE’s president. “No half measures, and no gamesmanship. Put every single federal worker back on the job with full back pay — today.”
Kelley emphasized that lawmakers should prioritize their constituents’ needs over partisan maneuvers.
“It’s time for our leaders to start focusing on how to solve problems for the American people, rather than on who is going to get the blame for a shutdown that Americans dislike,” he wrote.
“Because when the folks who serve this country are standing in line for food banks after missing a second paycheck because of this shutdown, they aren’t looking for partisan spin,” Kelley said. “They’re looking for the wages they earned.”
Government ShutdownIs there a deal in sight?
The House passed a continuing resolution along mostly party lines. The Senate, however, has failed to pass it 12 times. Although Republicans hold a majority with 53 Senate seats, the measure requires a filibuster-proof supermajority of 60 votes to pass.
Only two Democrats — Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada — and independent Sen. Angus King of Maine, who caucuses with the Democrats, have supported the temporary spending bill. Among Republicans, only Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has voted against the bill.
Currently, there are no signs of negotiations between the two parties. President Donald Trump has said that he will meet with Democrats only after they vote to reopen the government.
Many services, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, could run out of money by the end of the month. The program serves over 42 million users, providing a crucial food source that would otherwise be unavailable.
The government hasn’t paid federal workers for nearly a month, even though many are still required to show up for work. Kelley said government employees should not have to suffer because of a political disagreement.
“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,” he wrote. “That is unacceptable.”
