Congress Paid During Shutdown, Contractors Face Uncertainty | JQJO

During a US government shutdown, members of Congress continue to receive their salaries, guaranteed by a permanent appropriation. However, contract employees, including many federal janitors, are not similarly protected. While furloughed federal employees are entitled to back pay, contractors typically are not. Private employers may choose to pay their contracted workers, but there's no legal obligation, leading to potential income loss for these workers.