EPA's current funding expires, along with much of the federal government's, on Friday, April 28th. Both Congress and the President must act in order to prevent a government shutdown due to a lapse in appropriations.
Congressional leadership and the administration are in negotiations regarding appropriations legislation that would keep federal agencies operating for the remainder of fiscal year 2017, which ends on September 30. With Congress heading into a two-week recess and funding levels not finalized, it is unknown whether some type of bill to fund the whole government, known as an "omnibus" bill, will be passed and enacted prior to April 28th, whether a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) might be used to avert a shutdown, or whether another government shutdown could happen.
Senator Cardin (D, MD) introduced legislation, S. 861, the Federal Employee Fair Treatment Act that would ensure that all federal employees are paid in the event of a shutdown — both individuals required to work unpaid and those furloughed. Additionally, it would allow federal employees remaining on the job to take scheduled annual leave and sick leave as needed. NTEU strongly supports this legislation.
NTEU recognizes the hardship agency funding uncertainty has on federal employees. Our members need and deserve to receive their paychecks on time. We ask Congress to keep the government properly funded and open.