Jan 10, 2019
Senate approves backpay for federal workers after shutdown ends
Government workers protest the shutdown in Chicago. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images
The Senate unanimously passed a resolution Thursday to provide backpay to federal workers affected by the partial government shutdown.
"I had an opportunity to talk to President Trump a moment ago and wanted to indicate to our colleagues that he will sign the bill that we've been discussing here to guarantee that government workers displaced as a result of the shut down will ultimately be compensated"— Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
Why it matters: This will provide some level of assurance to federal employees who are working during the shutdown that they will eventually be paid, but it doesn't erase the difficulties they may face paying off bills or loans. And on the 20th day of the shutdown, there is still no end in sight.
Go deeper: All the ways Americans are feeling the effects of the shutdown