#IStandWithFeds

On Sept. 30, Congress passed a short-term continuing resolution staving off a government shutdown for 45 days. A short-term continuing resolution is certainly preferable to a government shutdown, but this band-aid approach is not the answer.

Why it matters: Because a continuing resolution is only a stopgap measure, federal employees must still deal with enormous uncertainty as they await a longer-term solution, meaning they cannot make the strategic decisions necessary to effectively deliver public services.

If the government shuts down, tens of thousands of federal employees will be furloughed and sent home without pay. And essential workers will report to work without pay. 

Federal workers play a vital role in our everyday lives. They work behind the scenes - helping people each day receive critical services like benefits, passports, taxes and other federal programs - and are achieving innovations and advancements that drive our country forward. 

During a government shutdown, federal agencies must pause their services and operations until a new funding bill is passed and signed into law by Congress. The government can only spend money on essential services during this period, such as those related to law enforcement and public safety.

Food safety inspections can be slowed down or halted. National parks, federal lands and museums will be closed. A protracted shutdown can lead to long lines at airport security checkpoint and flight delays. And the families of federal workers and military personnel will face going without a paycheck for the duration of the shutdown.

Why it matters: Tens of thousands of federal employees will be furloughed and sent home without pay, and essential workers will have to report to work without pay during the holiday season.

Federal workers play a vital role in our everyday lives. They work behind the scenes, helping people receive critical government services, such as new applying for benefits, renewing passports, tax support, nutrition and immunization assistance and many other services. Federal workers keep our nation running and moving forward.

Show your support of our federal workers

Use #IStandWithFeds on social media.
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- Explore our Government Success Database and the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals® website for stories highlighting the work of hundreds of career civil servants who have made significant contributions to our country.
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Sample social media posts

From keeping our food and water safe to responding to natural disasters, federal workers play a vital role in our everyday lives. Learn how you can share your support for them at https://bit.ly/IStandWithFeds. #IStandWithFeds
#IStandWithFeds because they work behind the scenes to keep us safe and healthy, help us receive critical benefits and improve our lives for the better. Join me in supporting federal workers. https://bit.ly/IStandWithFeds
Federal workers are our food inspectors, military personnel, air traffic controllers, park rangers and so much more. They play a vital role our everyday lives and work to keep our nation safe. Join me in support of federal workers! #IStandWithFeds https://bit.ly/IStandWithFeds
During government shutdowns, tens of thousands of federal workers, including military personnel, TSA agents and air traffic controllers face going without a paycheck while still reporting to work. This hurts morale, reduces critical services to the public and affects their loved ones. Federal workers shouldn't have to pay the price for a shutdown. Share your support for them today. #IStandWithFeds https://bit.ly/IStandWithFeds

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