AFGE President J. David Cox Sr. is urging Congress to pass funding legislation before lawmakers leave Washington for Easter recess, warning that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and other federal employees are working without pay during the partial government shutdown, according to The Hill.
- Who: American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) President J. David Cox Sr.
- What: Cox called on lawmakers to reach a deal to end the partial shutdown and keep federal workers paid.
- Why it matters: Cox highlighted that TSA officers and other federal employees are not receiving paychecks while required to report to work, The Hill reported.
- When: Cox’s comments came as Congress faced pressure to act before the Easter recess, per The Hill.
- Where: The dispute is playing out in Congress and the White House, with impacts nationwide on federal agencies and employees.
- Key worker impacts raised: Unpaid work, furlough risk, and uncertainty over back pay for affected employees, as described by AFGE and reported by The Hill.
Brief context
Partial government shutdowns occur when Congress does not pass, and the president does not sign, appropriations bills or a stopgap funding measure to keep agencies operating. During a shutdown, many federal employees are either furloughed (placed in a non-duty, non-pay status) or deemed excepted and required to work without immediate pay. TSA screening operations typically continue because many TSA employees are required to work to maintain aviation security.
AFGE’s warning focuses on the immediate paycheck disruption and the operational strain on agencies that rely on employees continuing to report for duty. Cox’s message to lawmakers, as quoted by The Hill, was that Congress should not leave town without resolving funding, given the direct effect on federal workers’ pay and household finances.
What it means for you
- If you’re an excepted employee (including many TSA roles): You may be required to report to work even if pay is delayed during a shutdown. Keep documentation of hours worked and monitor agency guidance.
- If you’re furloughed: You generally cannot work (including telework) until funding is restored. Follow your agency’s shutdown instructions closely.
- Back pay: Past shutdowns have resulted in back pay for affected federal workers, but timing can vary. Track official agency payroll updates and OPM guidance once funding resumes.
- Planning: If a shutdown continues, consider reviewing your pay and benefit options and emergency planning resources. (See FedInfo’s pay and benefits guides: https://fedinfo.org/)
Source: The Hill — “AFGE president slams shutdown,” reporting on AFGE President J. David Cox Sr.’s call for Congress to fund the government before Easter recess. https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5798964-afge-president-slams-shutdown/