WASHINGTON — Maryland Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and Rep. Sarah Elfreth announced new legislation Monday that would support essential federal workers who are forced to work during a government shutdown without pay.

These employees receive backpay, but under the Help Federal Workers During Shutdowns Act, they would qualify for unemployment insurance. Currently, only furloughed employees get these benefits.

"I want to make it clear that they serve no matter who the president is. Whether that person is Democrat or Republican. They come to work every day because they serve the American people," Alsobrooks said on Capitol Hill.

Elfreth, who represents 44,000 federal employees, says this is a simple fix that can help households during the uncertainty of a government shutdown.

"These are members

See Full Page