With the longest shutdown in US history officially over, here’s a look at how the federal government will get back to regular business:
Independent.ie Newsdesk Twitter Email
January 26 2019 7:02 AM
With the longest shutdown in US history officially over, here’s a look at how the federal government will get back to regular business:
When will federal workers get paid?
It is unclear at this time. The White House tweeted that it will be « in the coming days ».
Some 800,000 workers were given leave or required to work without pay. They will receive back pay.
While the Trump administration is promising to pay federal workers as soon as possible, a senior official said agencies are in charge of their own payroll issues and workers should check with their departments for details about when the back pay will arrive.
Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act that President Donald Trump signed into law on January 16, workers are to get their back pay « as soon as possible after the lapse in appropriations ends, regardless of scheduled pay dates ». That means they should not have to wait for their next payday to get those back wages.
The Office of Management and Budget instructed agencies on Friday night to ensure they had adequate staff on hand to support payroll processes and to answer employees’ benefit questions as they return to work.
How soon before the Smithsonian Museums reopen?
The Smithsonian tweeted that all of its museums and the National Zoo will reopen on Tuesday January 29 at their regularly scheduled times.
What about the national parks?
Many remained open during the government shutdown, but at reduced staffing levels.
Theresa Pierno, president and chief executive of the National Parks Conservation Association, said some parks suffered « terrible damage » during the shutdown. One of the first jobs for park workers will be to assess that damage.
« The damage done to our parks will be felt for weeks, months or even years, » she said.
