A new White House memo argues back pay is not guaranteed for furloughed federal workers once the government shutdown ends, but critics say that directly contradicts federal law.

A law passed in 2019 and signed by President Donald Trump aimed to require retroactive compensation for employees who are furloughed or required to work during a lapse in federal funding. The law says they should receive back pay on the earliest date possible after the shutdown ends.

In the new memo, first reported by Axios, the White House Office of Management and Budget argues that legal interpretation is wrong. It contends back pay for furloughed workers is not automatic and must be approved by Congress as part of legislation ending the shutdown," or such payments cannot be made."

Asked Tuesday whether he

See Full Page