Federal Unions Prepare for Potential Government Shutdown
Numerous federal unions are indicating their readiness to support a government shutdown, despite the serious implications this could have for their members, including potential job losses.
The Federation Army Network (Fun) and 35 unions sent a letter to key Democratic leaders on Monday, urging them to resist GOP spending bills within the 48 hours leading up to a partial government closure. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has previously made it clear that he is willing to push the country into a shutdown if the GOP does not meet his demands.
“Shutting down the government is not a strategy,” the letter from Fun and the unions asserts. “Federal employees and the communities we represent are already facing significant challenges. Yet, federal workers are ready to make sacrifices in hopes of preserving the programs that we have dedicated our efforts to.”
The letter continues, emphasizing the need to communicate to the administration that current services must be maintained.
If lawmakers do not pass a funding suspension by 12:01 AM Wednesday, the government will partially close, complicating ongoing governmental functions until both parties can negotiate long-term funding agreements.
Senate Democrats opted to filibuster the seven-week funding proposal put forth by Republicans on September 19, even though it mostly continued Biden-era funding levels.
The Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, but most legislation—including funding bills—requires 60 votes to pass.
The White House Budget Office has suggested significant layoffs of federal employees could occur if the shutdown happens, which may push Democrats to find common ground for funding.
Earlier in March, Schumer justified collaborating with Republicans to secure government funding by warning of the widespread repercussions a government shutdown would have on federal employees.
However, several top Democrats have downplayed potential layoffs, showing skepticism about the possibility, especially following previous efforts under the Trump administration that were aimed at reducing the federal workforce.
The coalition of federal unions has called on Schumer to continue opposing GOP funding proposals, some arguing that the failure to cut spending aimed at fully using Congressional appropriations from the Trump years is problematic.
This support for Schumer’s approach comes as various groups, including law enforcement, agriculture, and small business advocates, are urging Democrats to divert from GOP initiatives and work to prevent any government shutdown.
Notably, the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council expressed their concerns in a statement.
Democratic leaders have also requested an extension of Biden-era Obamacare funding in exchange for their support, a move that could cost taxpayers an estimated $350 billion over the next decade, according to recent Congressional Budget Office estimates.
Republicans have countered that Congress should prioritize government funding before considering the expiring tax credits due by December 31.
“Significant decisions shouldn’t be rushed,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted in a recent Washington Post commentary. “And they definitely shouldn’t be made because one party threatens a government shutdown if it doesn’t comply.”
The representative for Fun did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
