The New Jersey State AFL-CIO is pleased to announce that three members of the New Jersey congressional delegation have introduced bills to prevent government shutdowns and protect federal employees and contractors.
Congressman Jeff Van Drew (D-2) has sponsored H.R. 791, also known as the End Government Shutdowns Act, which would permanently prevent the federal government from shutting down. This bipartisan legislation would also ensure that essential government services aren’t disrupted and protect taxpayers who bear the resulting cost.
Congressman Van Drew introduced the legislation on Friday, January 25, the same day congressional leaders and Trump announced an end to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
“Thirty-five days is too long. Any amount of time is too long,” Van Drew said. “Both parties must come together to do the responsible thing for the American people and not let our nation’s leaders play with the lives and livelihoods of our federal workers, contractors and the small businesses that depend on them.”
Also taking a stand was Congressman Donald Norcross (D-1), who introduced the bipartisan Fairness for Federal Contractors Act. If enacted, this bill would provide lost wages up to $1,400 per week to federal contractors who were impacted by the recent government shutdown. The bill is co-sponsored by Congressman Chris Smith (R-4) and supported by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the AFL-CIO.
“Federal workers and their families endured incredible hardship during this government shutdown at no fault of their own – and it’s clear they should not have to lose their paychecks,” Norcross said. “During my career as an electrician, we often worked hand-in-glove with government entities and I know that Congress must do the right thing and provide lost wages to contractors. It’s our moral obligation to these American families to pass the Fairness for Federal Contractors Act, which will also help prevent a dip in our economy and protect our future federal workforce. Contractors and employees work side-by-side and their pain is just as real.”
On behalf of our one million members, The New Jersey State AFL-CIO thanks Congressman Van Drew, Congressman Norcross and Congressman Smith for their show of solidarity and support for the federal workers and contractors affected by the government shutdown.