News Summary
In response to the ongoing government shutdown, Northern Virginia lawmakers are advocating for back pay for furloughed federal workers. Representatives James Walkinshaw and Suhas Subramanyam, along with other Congress members, have addressed concerns regarding the withholding of payments, emphasizing the importance of the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019. Additionally, legislation introduced by Representative Don Beyer aims to provide financial relief for affected employees, allowing early withdrawals from retirement accounts. Local businesses are also feeling the economic effects of this crisis as around 1 million federal contractor employees are impacted.
Northern Virginia lawmakers are taking action amid the ongoing government shutdown, as they advocate for back pay for furloughed federal workers. The representatives, James Walkinshaw and Suhas Subramanyam, are working to ensure that the pay of thousands of employees is protected as they navigate the financial turmoil caused by the shutdown.
Walkinshaw and Subramanyam, who represent Northern Virginia communities heavily populated by federal employees, are part of a group of six Congress members who have addressed the Office of Management and Budget. In their letter, they express disapproval of any threatened withholding of back pay for those adversely affected during the shutdown.
The lawmakers cite the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, which mandates that federal workers receive back pay after a shutdown concludes. This law serves as a crucial safeguard for employees who are currently unable to earn wages due to ongoing government operations being halted. Subramanyam highlighted that the legislation clearly outlines the rights of federal workers to receive their pay, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the shutdown.
Recent comments from the President have raised concerns among lawmakers, as he suggested that some federal employees may not “deserve” back pay. This has led to an increased focus on the legality of withholding payment during the closure, with Walkinshaw calling this potential action “equally illegal.” Both representatives vehemently oppose any threats to terminate federal workers during the shutdown, pointing to the legalities involved in such measures.
As they work without pay themselves during this shutdown, the lawmakers have shown solidarity with the affected federal employees, arguing against the principle of Congress receiving salaries while their constituents are left unpaid. They describe the shutdown as a continued “long line of insults” against those who serve in the federal workforce.
The backdrop of this situation includes President’s warnings about possible job cuts if the deadlock persists, a situation that has significant implications for the economy in Northern Virginia. The Professional Services Council and the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce have both noted that the shutdown poses serious economic threats to federal employees and their contractors.
Local businesses are feeling the effects of the financial instability brought on by the shutdown, which can have a ripple effect on the economy. Nationally, around 1 million federal contractor employees are impacted, and many of them are not entitled to back pay during this government crisis. The result is increased hardship for families who may struggle with accessing essential resources like food and healthcare during this tumultuous period.
To offer some relief to federal employees, legislation introduced by Representative Don Beyer aims to provide the ability for federal workers to withdraw up to $30,000 from their retirement accounts without penalties while the shutdown continues. Beyer’s proposal intends to alleviate financial burdens, automatically designating government shutdowns as qualifying financial hardships for withdrawals.
In addition to allowing withdrawals, the legislation would ensure that current loan payments from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) remain accessible, with payments suspended throughout the duration of the shutdown. Furthermore, the bill seeks to suspend stricter rules that could classify missed payments as taxable events, which would further contribute to the financial difficulties faced by federal employees during this crisis.
Lawmakers are also pursuing measures to provide federal contractors with similar financial relief to ensure that the challenges posed by the shutdown do not disproportionately affect any group within the federal workforce. As the situation continues to evolve, the efforts of these Northern Virginia representatives reflect a broader commitment to securing the rights and livelihoods of federal workers.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WUSA9
- Northern Virginia Magazine
- Government Executive
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Government shutdowns
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
