Some legislative proposals addressing pay during U.S. federal government shutdowns would compensate only federal employees who are not furloughed, excluding furloughed employees from immediate pay protections.
October 20, 2025
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policy
Highlights a policy design distinction that can affect which federal workers receive pay during shutdowns.
A furlough is a temporary leave status in which an employee is not working.
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definition
General definition of 'furlough' as used for federal employees.
When there is a lapse in congressional appropriations for the U.S. federal government (a government shutdown), some civilian federal employees are typically placed on furlough and do not work while other employees designated as essential continue to work; employees in both groups can be without pay during the lapse in appropriations.
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policy
Describes the typical operational and pay effects of a federal government lapse in appropriations.