White House challenges 2019 law requiring back pay for furloughed workers, saying Congress must approve it.

A new White House memo challenges the 2019 law requiring back pay for federal workers furloughed during a government shutdown, asserting that compensation is not automatic and must be approved by Congress. The memo, issued by the Office of Management and Budget, contradicts longstanding practice and the law’s clear language, sparking criticism from lawmakers and employee advocates. The ongoing shutdown, beginning October 1, 2025, has affected about 700,000 workers, with uncertainty over whether they will receive promised retroactive pay. The dispute highlights a growing conflict between executive interpretation and statutory requirements, raising concerns about worker financial security and morale.