U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA) signed on as a co-sponsor of the Federal Employees Retroactive Pay Fairness Act, saying she wants to provide a safety net for federal workers in the event of a government shutdown this week.
A shutdown could occur if Congress fails to pass a federal budget measure by Wednesday. Funding for Planned Parenthood is at the center of the looming crisis, with some conservatives trying to strip the organization of federal monies while Democrats say they will block any budget proposal that does so.
“I am working hard with my colleagues to keep the government open because federal employees and contractors should not be used as a political football by either side for partisan gain,” Comstock said. “We are a nation that faces national security and homeland security threats. Federal employees, including FBI agents, are working around the clock tracking down terrorists, in addition to Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense and National Security Agency analysts who are monitoring incoming intelligence and are on the frontlines keeping us safe.”
The bipartisan retroactive pay legislation, also sponsored by U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), is scheduled to be introduced this week.
“These dedicated employees, as well as the rest of our federal workforce such as researchers who are working on medical breakthroughs at NIH and VA doctors and nurses who treat our wounded warriors need to know that their government will honor its commitment to these workers and their families,” Comstock said. “As we move toward October 1st, I will continue to talk and work with my colleagues to make sure the government remains open.”