WASHINGTON — The nation’s largest federal worker union called for Congress to pass a clean funding extension to reopen the government.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) announced its new position on Monday through an article published on the organization’s website. The move marked a significant shift; many federal workers in the DMV have supported the refusal of Democrats to vote for the GOP’s clean funding extension during the first month of the shutdown, forming an unofficial alliance. AFGE’s call for a clean extension breaks the pattern, shifting its official stance toward the GOP’s proposal.
“Both political parties have made their point, and still there is no clear end in sight,” AFGE National President Everett Kelley wrote. “It’s time to pass a clean continuing resolution and end this shutdown today. No half measures, and no gamesmanship. Put every single federal worker back on the job with full back pay — today.”
Kelley further called for Congress to immediately open the government so they could continue to debate on the larger policy disagreements that have wedged themselves between lawmakers.
Democrats have dug in their heels on funding cuts and rising health care costs during the shutdown, including the expiring Affordable Health Care premium tax credits. Republicans have refused to negotiate on extending the tax credits until the government reopens.
The union calling for Congress to pass a clean funding bill didn’t immediately sway Senate Democrats, who have opposed it. The majority of the caucus, including Maryland’s senators, has voted against the GOP’s clean spending bill more than 10 times.
“I’m committed to immediately reopening the government in a responsible way that prevents the illegal budget actions [President Donald] Trump has taken — including against our federal workers — and stops Americans’ health care costs from exploding,” Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen said after the announcement. “In the meantime, I’m also working to immediately pay all our federal employees and prevent this administration’s mass firings. Federal employees did not cause the shutdown, and they should not have to bear the brunt of it.”
Van Hollen told The Sun last week that he plans to work with Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson on a compromise bill to pay federal workers during the shutdown.
“He said he was willing to consider making sure that we pay all federal employees,” Van Hollen said. “They shouldn’t have to be the ones punished for something they had nothing to do with.”
Johnson and Van Hollen both offered bills last week that would allow federal workers to be paid during the shutdown. Johnson’s focused on employees who were having to work through the shutdown. Van Hollen’s would have paid all federal employees, including furloughed and contract workers and service members. It would also have prevented additional mass firings.
AFGE represents over 800,000 federal workers. Many missed a full paycheck last week. The shutdown has almost reached its second month — Monday marked its 27th day — and is closing in on becoming the longest shutdown in American history.
“It’s long past time for our leaders to put aside partisan politics and embrace responsible government,” Kelley wrote. “A strong America requires a functioning government — one that pays its bills, honors its commitments, and treats its workforce with respect by paying them on time.”
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