Rep. Chu Votes to Pay Furloughed Federal Workers, Forgoes Salary in Solidarity

Today, as the American people faced the fifth day of the federal government shut down, Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27) announced she will forgo her salary in solidarity with furloughed federal workers.

Chu also voted for the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act (H.R. 3223), which will compensate furloughed workers for missed pay once the government is funded again. Congresswoman Chu released the following statement:

“Federal workers deserve better than to be treated like pawns in a losing game. Republicans got the government shutdown they wanted, but they aren’t the ones paying the price. As we grapple with national park closures and the suspension of government services, the men and women who run those parks and provide those services are losing their paychecks. The bill I voted for today ensures that anyone furloughed after October 1st of this year will be paid retroactively once the government is funded again. And until that day, I will not bring home a paycheck, either.”

The Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act (H.R. 3223) passed in the House by a vote of 407 to 0.