Federal Unions Brace for Government Shutdown
A coalition of federal unions is preparing to support a government shutdown, despite the significant risks—including potential unemployment—for their members due to the depletion of funds.
On Monday, the Federation Army Network (Fun) along with 35 other national, state, and local unions sent a letter to key Democratic leaders. The letter emphasizes the need for these leaders to resist clean spending bills from the GOP within 48 hours of a planned partial government closure. Previously, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated he might allow the government to shut down if the GOP doesn’t meet his conditions.
“Shutting down the government is not a plan,” the letter from Fun and the other unions asserts. “Federal workers and the communities we serve face serious challenges. Yet, we are willing to forgo some of our pay, hoping to maintain the programs we believe are vital to public service.”
The letter expresses a desire to send a clear message to the administration: it’s essential to maintain current services.
If lawmakers don’t approve a temporary funding measure by 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, the government will partially close.
Senate Democrats recently chose to filibuster a seven-week stopgap bill proposed by Republicans on September 19, despite it aligning closely with funding levels from the Biden administration.
The GOP holds a 53-47 majority in the Senate, yet most legislation, including funding bills, needs 60 votes to clear the chamber.
Concerns are growing within the White House Budget Office about a large-scale layoff of federal employees amidst the looming closure, which may pressure Democrats to negotiate more favorable terms.
In March, Schumer justified collaborating with Republicans on funding, arguing that government shutdowns would have severe ramifications for federal workers. However, many top Democrats have downplayed the possibility of layoffs as a significant threat, despite efforts from the Trump administration to destabilize the federal workforce.
The federal union coalition has encouraged Schumer to continue opposing the GOP funding bill, pointing out a failure to cut programs that utilize all funds allocated by Congress during the Trump administration.
This support for Schumer’s tough stance occurs as a varied group of stakeholders from law enforcement to small businesses is urging Democrats to pursue a GOP plan that avoids a shutdown.
Small business advocacy groups, like the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, have weighed in, stressing the importance of finding a resolution.
Meanwhile, Democratic leaders are asking Republicans to agree to expand funding for Biden-era Obamacare grants in return for their support. This extension is projected to cost federal taxpayers $350 billion over the next decade, according to recent Congressional Budget Office estimates.
However, Republicans argue that Congress should focus on government funding before addressing tax credits set to expire on December 31.
“Major decisions should not be rushed,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune commented in a piece for the Washington Post. “They certainly shouldn’t be made under the threat of a government shutdown.”
A spokesperson for Fun didn’t respond to requests for comment.
