House Vote Scheduled on Giving Retroactive Pay to Federal Employees

The House has scheduled a vote on the proposed legislation to give furloughed federal employees retroactive pay for the missed work days from the shutdown.

Updated 10/4/2013 5:30 PM EST

The House has scheduled a vote on Saturday the proposed legislation to give furloughed federal employees retroactive pay for the missed work days from the shutdown.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s (R-VA) office announced the House would remain in session to vote on new legislation that is “critical” to government operations, and this bill is one that is considered to be critical.

Known as the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act (H.R. 3223), the bill was introduced by Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA). Frank Wolf (R-VA) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA) are among those who have voiced support for the bill.

The bill has bipartisan support and is expected to pass the House. Majority leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) predicted in a tweet that it would, saying, “The House will pass a bill to pay federal workers for their time in furlough once the shutdown ends.”

The White House is also on record as being in favor of granting retroactive pay for federal workers furloughed by the shutdown.

“This is consistent with measures that were adopted in previous government shutdowns,” said Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). “There should be broad recognition that people should not have to suffer for actions that are no fault of their own and I hope that there’s bipartisan acceptance of that principle.”

About the Author

Ian Smith is one of the co-founders of FedSmith.com. He has over 20 years of combined experience in media and government services, having worked at two government contracting firms and an online news and web development company prior to his current role at FedSmith.