Larson Introduces "Make America Govern Again" Act to Ensure Federal Workers' Pay During Shutdown

Strategic Insights -

In response to the ongoing government shutdown, Representative John B. Larson introduced the "Make America Govern Again" Act, a bill aimed at ensuring federal workers, including military and civilian personnel, are paid during the shutdown. The legislation would also withhold pay from Members of Congress, the President, Vice President, Cabinet, and White House political appointees. Larson has already committed to forgo his salary until the government re-opens, as have some of his colleagues.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Make America Govern Again" Act would provide federal workers with pay during the government shutdown, unlike during previous shutdowns where they went unpaid.
  • The bill would withhold pay from Members of Congress, President Trump, Vice President Pence, Cabinet members, and White House political appointees during the shutdown.
  • The government has been shut down since October 1st, after President Trump told Republicans to "not even bother" negotiating with Democrats to keep government open.
  • Every House and Senate Democrat has come together to support a plan to re-open government, reverse cuts to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage, and extend health care tax credits.
  • The bill would ensure that dedicated federal workers, including air traffic controllers, educators, and Capitol Police, are paid during the shutdown, rather than being forced to work without pay.
  • President Trump has previously threatened to prevent workers from receiving backpay when the government re-opens, despite previously signing a law to ensure backpay for all federal workers.

Statistics:

  • 20 million Americans rely on the Affordable Care Act to afford their health insurance premiums.
  • The federal government has been shut down since October 1st, with no end in sight.
  • Every House and Senate Democrat has come together to support a plan to re-open government, representing a unified front against the shutdown.
  • Federal workers have already lost pay for this month due to the shutdown, with many struggling to make ends meet.
  • The "Make America Govern Again" Act aims to provide relief to these workers by ensuring they receive pay during the shutdown.

Sources:

  • Rep. John B. Larson (D-Connecticut)
  • Larson.house.gov media center
  • CNN (link is external)
  • Politico (link is external)
  • Variety (link is external)
  • NBC News (link is external)
  • CNBC (link is external)