Kingston Takes Lead on Legislation to Bring Federal Employees Back to Work

Press Release

Congressman Jack Kingston (R-GA) introduced a bill to get federal employees back to work in light of the recent government shutdown that furloughed those deemed "nonessential."

There have been numerous complaints from government workers that the shutdown has prohibited them from carrying out their duties. Currently, FBI agents are unable to attend to their cases, scientists are denied access to their laboratories, and border patrol officers are restricted from performing crucial services that secure our borders.

"People are ready to return to the workplace," said Kingston. "We are providing them with the means to get back to their jobs."

As opposed to a layoff in the private sector, federal employees were not permanently dismissed from their positions in an effort to cut spending. This temporary furlough is one that will last until appropriations are provided to fully reopen the government.

The House already passed legislation on October 5th that would provide back pay to furloughed workers. Kingston's new bill would allow those same federal employees to return to work immediately.

"If we have passed legislation to pay them, why not put them back to work?" said Kingston.

Kingston sponsored legislation with Representatives Frank R. Wolf (R-VA), Jim Moran (D-VA), and Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), generating bipartisan support for this act.

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