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Amata welcomes new law guaranteeing federal workers their back pay

Congresswoman Aumua Amata
Source: Office of the Congresswoman

 Washington, DC — Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed a new law, passed by Congress and promptly signed by President Trump this week, that guarantees furloughed federal employees their back pay when the government fully reopens.

“This is an important step that immediately provides some peace of mind to furloughed federal employees and their families, because now they know for sure that despite the delay, they can count on their pay coming through,” said Aumua Amata. “Traditionally, after each shutdown, Congress has taken action to pay these workers, but now it’s the law of the land ahead of time so they don’t have to wait and wonder if they will be paid.”

Specifically, the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, S.24, ensures pay for the lapsed time as soon as possible, once this or future government shutdowns are resolved.

(Note: This new law applies to employees of the United States government, not a state, territory, or municipality, but those who receive their pay from a federal department or agency.)

“I’m also pleased that this bipartisan bill went through both the democratic-controlled House and the republican-controlled Senate without the political posturing that could delay other important actions,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “We need more of these fair and honest legislative opportunities that simply do the right thing for the people we serve.”