House Passes Bill to Retroactively Pay Federal Workers After Government Shutdown Ends

The House on Saturday unanimously passed a bill 407-0 that would retroactively pay furloughed federal employees after the government shutdown eventually ends.

The Republican led House passed a bill Saturday to retroactively pay furloughed workers after the government shutdown ends. (Image source: Shutterstock.com)

The bill was lauded by both Democratic and Republican leaders.

"The Administration strongly supports House passage of H.R. 3223, the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act," the Obama administration said in a statement. "Federal workers keep the Nation safe and secure and provide vital services that support the economic security of American families."

"The Administration appreciates that the Congress is acting promptly to move this bipartisan legislation and looks forward to the bill's swift passage," it added.

Following passage of the legislation, Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said he was happy to see both political parties working together.

“It’s encouraging to see both parties come together to provide fairness for the 800,000 federal workers hurt by this shutdown," he said in a statement. "Now we should do something about the 800,000 jobs being destroyed by the president’s health care law.  That’s why Republicans are working every day to reopen the government and provide fairness for all.”

The measure will now head to the U.S. Senate for approval.

The federal government shut down earlier this week after the Senate and House failed to come to an agreement on a continuing resolution bill to continue funding the government.

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