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Trump administration’s claims against automatic furloughed worker backpay lack legal, historical basis

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GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 18h

The Trump administration has raised legal questions about automatic backpay for furloughed fed workers, but experts say the claims lack historical and legal basis.
Details here: buff.ly/kSuzQKf #FederalEmployees #Backpay #Shutdown

Experts say the White House’s new theory that the 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act does not guarantee feds backpay following a shutdown fails a basic tenet of legal analysis.

Trump says he can pick and choose which feds get back pay. Republicans in Congress mostly disagree.

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GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 18h

Lawmakers of both parties on Tuesday pushed back on OMB’s view, suggesting all federal employees were guaranteed back pay when the government reopens. buff.ly/tsgLuwh

Asked if furloughed workers will get retroactively paid, Trump say “it depends.”

OMB deletes reference to law guaranteeing backpay to furloughed feds from shutdown guidance

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GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 1d

OMB quietly removed language from its #shutdown guidance that referenced the 2019 law guaranteeing retroactive pay to furloughed federal employees. buff.ly/P0AsxeZ

An Office of Management and Budget FAQ document now states that only excepted employees forced to work without pay are guaranteed backpay at the conclusion of a lapse in appropriations.

Senate again votes against ending shutdown, something White House said would trigger layoffs

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GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 1d

Senate again votes against ending the shutdown, heightening the risk of federal layoffs. For more details, read our story: buff.ly/agcPhFv

There is still no path toward reopening government and Trump reiterates RIF threat.

Bisignano to lead IRS in addition to SSA duties, raising questions about the Senate confirmation process

GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 1d

Bisignano takes on leadership of IRS while keeping his role as Social Security commissioner, prompting questions about oversight and the Senate confirmation process. Details here:

Experts warned that the move could further facilitate the consolidation of Social Security and IRS databases for use in immigration enforcement.

More employees set to receive furlough notices as shutdown drags on

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GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 1d

Federal agencies are adjusting operations as the shutdown continues, with more employees set to receive furlough notices. Learn more here: buff.ly/3FdYyzo

Agency plans will change significantly in the coming days and weeks if Congress fails to reopen government.

Trump administration ‘co-opted the voices’ of Education employees in shutdown blame game, union lawsuit alleges

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GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 1d

The modified out-of-office emails of furloughed Education Department employees blaming Democratic senators for the ongoing shutdown has prompted a lawsuit from AFGE. buff.ly/wbtZA2t

Furloughed Education Department employees reported that their out-of-office email messages were modified to emphasize that Senate Democrats voted against a GOP government funding measure.

Democrats introduce bill to ease TSP withdrawals, loans during shutdowns

GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 4d

The Emergency Relief for Federal Workers Act would clarify that lapses in appropriations qualify federal workers to take a hardship withdrawal from the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program and eliminate the associated 10% penalty in those instances. buff.ly/WitdyJp

The Emergency Relief for Federal Workers Act would clarify that lapses in appropriations qualify federal workers to take a hardship withdrawal from the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement…

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GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 4d

Legal experts agree recent messages by the Trump administration about the shutdown at least pose ethical concerns about government impartiality. buff.ly/3zIY74o

As Trump promises shutdown layoffs, fights over previous layoffs stall due to shutdown

GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 5d

A pair of federal employee unions on Tuesday filed a lawsuit seeking to block the Trump administration from carrying out its threats to unleash mass reductions in force across government during the government shutdown that began Wednesday. buff.ly/URBDz2S

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GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 5d

The Trump administration plans new federal layoffs amid the ongoing shutdown, while legal challenges to previous staffing cuts are delayed due to furloughed Justice Department attorneys. Check out the details here: buff.ly/aj3PHJl

Employees involved in litigation are caught up in furloughs, though group says Trump is seeking to delay accountability.

Some good news for federal employees: TSP shows steady growth and healthy fund performance

GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 5d

The Thrift Savings Plan has exceeded $1 trillion in assets and posted solid year-to-date returns across its core and Lifecycle Funds. Our retirement expert Tammy Flanagan explains what this means, here:

The Thrift Savings Plan has surpassed $1 trillion in assets, providing steady returns in 2025.

Hegseth, Vought actions heighten fears about continued inspector general independence

GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 6d

Lawmakers from both parties and good government groups have argued that recent moves by the Trump administration will chill whistleblowing and watchdog offices. buff.ly/kpkreSg

Lawmakers from both parties and good government groups have argued that recent moves by the Trump administration will chill whistleblowing and watchdog offices.

TSP funds continue to tick upward in September

GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 6d

Each of the portfolios in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program increased in value in September, marking the second straight month of gains.

For a second consecutive month, all of the funds in the Thrift Savings Plan increased in value.

White House: Shutdown layoffs are just days away

GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 6d

Federal agencies will begin issuing mass layoffs in the coming days, White House officials said on Wednesday, suggesting the forthcoming cuts would be a direct result of the current government shutdown. buff.ly/TUpYpHx

So far, just one agency has pursued RIFs while others have largely followed normal shutdown procedures.

Your guide to pay and benefits during a shutdown

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GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 7d

Federal workers: Here’s your guide to pay, benefits and retirement during the government shutdown.

A lapse in appropriations looked likely after Senate Democrats rejected a plan to keep federal agencies open past Sept. 30, while the House is not expected to return to Washington until next month.

Government spirals toward shutdown with Trump promising mass layoffs

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GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 7d

The government is set to shut down after Congress failed to pass a funding bill. President Trump has vowed to implement mass federal layoffs and agencies are preparing for furloughs and potential permanent staff reductions. Details here: buff.ly/I3NuoT7

A last-ditch effort to keep government funded failed Tuesday night. Agencies will begin furloughing staff on Wednesday.

Just 23% of fed workers would be furloughed if the government shuts down, under the Trump administration’s plan

GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 7d

If a government shutdown occurs tonight, the Trump administration plans to furlough just 23% of federal workers, a small fraction of the federal workforce.

Several agencies plan to keep more employees working than usual, leading to fewer workers being sent home.

Despite layoff threat, some feds see government shutdown as an opportunity to push back on Trump’s ‘lawlessness’

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GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 7d

Federal employees and members of Congress who spoke at Monday’s press conference pointed out that agency reductions in force can proceed regardless of whether there’s a government shutdown. buff.ly/bRm4hzv

Federal employees and members of Congress who spoke at Monday’s press conference pointed out that agency reductions in force can proceed regardless of whether there’s a government shutdown.

Judge blocks Trump’s anti-union executive order for IFPTE-represented workers

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GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 7d

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman said the president “clearly” exceeded his authority when issuing an edict stripping two-thirds of the federal workforce of its collective bargaining rights. buff.ly/DLhi4EP

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman said the president “clearly” exceeded his authority when issuing an edict stripping two-thirds of the federal workforce of its collective bargaining rights.

Sides remain divided, White House predicts shutdown will occur on eve of funding lapse

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GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 8d

With Washington facing a government shutdown, this is more than a typical budget standoff.

Here’s how this shutdown is different ⬇️ buff.ly/wyWAdPk

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GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 8d

White House predicts shutdown as GOP, Dems remain at odds over funding bill. With a day left before the deadline, both sides show no signs of compromise. buff.ly/x56sxaN

Democratic leaders say “large differences” remain after meeting with President Trump.

Bureau of Prisons the latest federal agency to cancel its union contracts

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GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 8d

The Federal Bureau of Prisons last week became the latest agency to formally cancel its collective bargaining agreements with federal employee unions, implementing President Trump’s executive order aimed at outlawing labor groups for two-thirds of the federal workforce. buff.ly/97iCbN2

Labor leaders said the effort to bust their union is particularly ill-timed, given the prospect of a government shutdown that could begin as soon as Wednesday.

Reductions in force could make bad situation worse for federal contractors during government shutdown

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GovExec @govexec.bsky.social · 8d

Professional Services Council President Stephanie Kostro on whether contracting officers will be reachable in a shutdown: “There are folks asking those questions now...'Is it going to get better or worse?’ I think the answer is to be determined.” buff.ly/RFkwjx4

Some federal contractors have already reported problems connecting with their contracting officers.