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A draft White House memo proposes that furloughed federal employees might not be paid for time missed during a government shutdown, challenging the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act (GEFTA). This new interpretation of the law, if pursued, is expected to spark significant controversy. While the memo's seriousness is unclear, it contrasts with President Trump's recent assurances to military members about receiving full pay. Government employee unions have stated this contradicts prior guidance guaranteeing retroactive pay.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.