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Sen. Coons Blasts Threat to Furloughed Workers

Breaking NewsSen. Coons Blasts Threat to Furloughed Workers

Key Takeaways

  • President Trump said some furloughed workers “don’t deserve” back pay.
  • Sen. Chris Coons said that threat breaks a law Mr. Trump himself signed.
  • Coons blamed Senate and House Republicans for keeping the shutdown alive.
  • Federal workers will receive back pay once the shutdown ends.

Sen. Coons Blasts Threat to Furloughed Workers

During an appearance on CNN’s The Arena, Sen. Chris Coons strongly criticized President Trump’s latest threat. The president said he might not pay furloughed workers after the shutdown ends. Coons pointed out that a law passed in 2013 requires back pay for furloughed workers. Moreover, he noted that President Trump signed that same law. Therefore, the threat is not just mean-spirited; it is illegal. Coons also reminded viewers that Republicans in Congress and the White House control this shutdown. As a result, he stressed, this stands as a Republican shutdown. Meanwhile, furloughed workers and their families face mounting bills and uncertainty. Ultimately, they will receive their wages once the government reopens.

Why Trump’s Threat to Furloughed Workers Is Illegal

First, federal law clearly guarantees pay for furloughed workers once a shutdown ends. In 2013, Congress passed a statute that orders back pay for any government employee laid off during a shutdown. Additionally, President Trump signed that law during his first term. Therefore, his recent threat conflicts directly with a statute he approved himself. Federal lawyers agree that the president cannot override this requirement. Even if the White House refuses to deliver paying funds, Congress can force payment. Thus, any suggestion of withholding funds would trigger legal challenges and likely court orders. Moreover, the law aims to protect civilian workers from political games. By promising back pay, lawmakers seek to reduce pressure on nonpartisan staff. In short, refusing to pay furloughed workers would break clear legal rules.

Republicans Behind Pain for Furloughed Workers

Sen. Coons did not stop at legal points. He also placed blame where it belongs. Between the Senate, the House, and the White House, Republicans control every branch that affects this shutdown. They decide when to open or close parts of the government. They set the deadline for funding bills and attach demands. Moreover, they can negotiate, pass standalone spending, or hold firm on policy riders. Instead, they have chosen to keep the standoff alive. This decision increases hardship for furloughed workers and their loved ones. By contrast, Democrats have offered clean spending bills without new policy fights. However, Republican leadership has blocked those efforts. Consequently, the government remains partly closed, and federal employees face unpaid leave. Coons called this choice a “Republican shutdown,” stressing that no one outside that party holds the keys.

What’s Next for Furloughed Workers?

At this point, furloughed workers wait for two things: a deal in Congress and a presidential signature. First, lawmakers must agree on funding for the departments in limbo. Second, President Trump must sign the bill into law. If both steps happen, agencies will reopen within a day. Then, the Office of Management and Budget will issue notices to restart paychecks. Technically, furloughed workers do not earn interest on delayed wages. However, they receive back pay in one lump sum. In past shutdowns, the government made efforts to process those payments quickly. Yet some employees still waited weeks for checks. Meanwhile, many workers apply for short-term credit or emergency loans. They hope to bridge the gap until the budget battle ends. Ultimately, a final vote in the Senate will determine the outcome.

Impact on Workers and Families

For now, furloughed workers juggle bills, rent, and school fees. Some skip doctor appointments or delay car repairs. Others rely on food banks or family support. According to one survey, half of federal employees live paycheck to paycheck. When the shutdown stretches on, stress levels rise. Mental health concerns grow among adults and children. Childcare costs climb when parents face uncertainty. Moreover, morale drops among staff who serve the public. Many take pride in their work and honesty. Yet they feel punished for a standoff they did not create. Even those deemed “essential” face late pay. They work without guaranteed wages. All of this highlights the ripple effect of a prolonged shutdown.

Conclusion

Sen. Chris Coons used clear, simple terms to challenge President Trump’s threat. He highlighted a law that guarantees pay for furloughed workers. He also blamed Senate and House Republicans for prolonging the crisis. Meanwhile, furloughed workers bear the real cost of political gridlock. They and their families cope without regular income. Yet back pay remains their legal right once the government reopens. With the next funding vote on the horizon, hopes rest on a swift resolution. Until then, Americans watch to see who will blink first in this standoff.

FAQs

What makes refusing back pay to furloughed workers illegal?

A 2013 law requires back pay for any federal employees furloughed during a shutdown. President Trump signed that law. Therefore, failing to pay would violate a rule he approved.

Who really controls the government shutdown?

Senate Republicans, House Republicans, and the White House share control. They set budgets and attach policy demands. Without their agreement, the partial shutdown continues.

When will furloughed workers get paid?

After Congress passes a funding bill and the president signs it, workers receive back pay. Agencies reopen and payroll resumes, often in one lump payment.

How long can furloughed workers wait for back pay?

Legally, they must receive wages once the government reopens. However, processing times vary. Some workers get checks within days, others wait weeks.

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