Agencies across the federal government have posted notices blaming “radical left” Democrats for the shutdown, a break from the traditional approach of simply outlining which services are suspended during a lapse in funding.
Congress failed to reach a funding agreement late Tuesday, triggering the shutdown. Since then, thousands of federal employees have been classified as either “excepted,” meaning they are required to work without pay, or “not excepted,” which indicates they are furloughed.
Furloughed workers typically receive back pay once the government reopens, but federal contractors generally do not.
Members of Congress, however, will continue to receive their salaries during a shutdown. The U.S. Constitution requires that senators and representatives “receive a Compensation for their Services” (Article I, Section 6). The 27th Amendment further prevents changes to congressional pay from taking effect until after the next election.
Presidents are also paid during shutdowns. President Donald Trump donated his government salary during his first term and has said he intends to do so again.
Republicans currently control the White House and majorities in both chambers of Congress, but lack the 60 votes needed in the Senate to end debate and advance legislation without the support of Democrats.
Democrats are pushing to include provisions that extend health care funding and ensure Trump will not continue withholding spending already directed by Congress.
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