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The Trump administration is considering a controversial proposal that could deny automatic back pay to hundreds of thousands of federal employees affected by the ongoing government shutdown. According to an internal document obtained by Reuters, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) argues that back pay for furloughed workers should not be automatic and must instead be approved by Congress.
If implemented, the policy could affect as many as 700,000 federal workers, including scientists, administrators, and other civil servants who have been furloughed since the shutdown began on October 1. This proposal directly challenges the 2019 law signed by President Donald Trump, which guarantees that both furloughed and essential employees receive back pay as soon as the shutdown ends.
In a draft memo, OMB’s top lawyer contends that the law requires congressional approval for such payments — a stance that contradicts long-standing precedent. Historically, Congress has always approved retroactive pay following all 15 government shutdowns since 1981. The new interpretation could delay or even block back pay due to deep partisan divisions in Washington.
Speaking to reporters, President Trump hinted that not all affected workers deserve compensation, stating, “It depends on who we’re talking about.” He added, “There are some people that really don’t deserve to be taken care of.”
The shutdown has forced “essential” employees such as military personnel, border agents, and air traffic controllers to continue working without pay, placing many under financial strain as missed paychecks loom. Meanwhile, Republicans have proposed a temporary funding extension through November 21, but Democrats insist that any deal must also include healthcare subsidy protections.
Some Republicans, including Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, expressed reluctance to back the OMB proposal. “I do think we’ve always given back pay, and we likely will this time,” he said, reflecting broader unease within the GOP.
