Most Federal Workers Won’t Be Paid Despite GOP Promise

Many federal workers expect not to get paid this Friday, marking the first full paycheck they will miss due to the government shutdown, which began three weeks ago.

By law, federal workers are supposed to receive back pay once the shutdown ends, but the White House has attempted to cast doubt on that. (Photo: US Postal Service Facebook)

So far, there has been limited economic fallout. But analysts say that the longer the shutdown continues, the bigger the dent it could leave, Brittney Melton reported for National Public Radio (NPR).

By law, federal workers are supposed to receive back pay once the shutdown ends, but the White House has attempted to cast doubt on that, NPR’s Scott Horsley told the Up First newsletter.

That rhetoric could lead some federal workers to pull back their spending, potentially affecting businesses that rely on their patronage.

The total price tag of the shutdown is unknown, but previous ones have proven costly for both the government and the broader economy.

Horsley said that if Congress doesn’t resolve the shutdown by early next month, the food stamp program—which helps feed millions of Americans—may be unable to provide benefits.