Story perspectives

Rep. Beyer Defends Back Pay for Federal Workers Amid Shutdown

10/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) says federal workers are entitled to back pay during the shutdown.
He rejects the administration's memo as intimidation and points to the 2019 law guaranteeing back pay.
Trump said some furloughed workers "don't deserve" back pay, signaling a policy shift.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) says back pay requires congressional action, contradicting prior guidance.

History

Historical Context

The Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act (FEPCA) of 1990 aimed to align federal salaries with private sector pay, addressing disparities that had emerged since the 1980s. Despite its provisions for back pay during government shutdowns, FEPCA has faced implementation challenges. In 2019, legislation reaffirmed these back pay guarantees, highlighting ongoing tensions between legislative intent and executive actions regarding federal employee rights.

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Story summary

Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) says federal workers are entitled to back pay during the shutdown.
He rejects the administration's memo as intimidation and points to the 2019 law guaranteeing back pay.
Trump said some furloughed workers "don't deserve" back pay, signaling a policy shift.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) says back pay requires congressional action, contradicting prior guidance.

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