DHS Shutdown Update:
For the third time since October 2025, public servants are being forced to work without pay because Congress has failed to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Your union is fighting for you. Your contract is protected. You are not alone.
- On February 26, 2026, AFGE National President Everett Kelley called on Congress to pay DHS employees immediately and pass the Shutdown Fairness Act, which would require the government to pay public servants in full and on time during all future shutdowns. Read more here.
- On March 19, 2026, as Congress was preparing to leave Washington for its April district work period at the end of next week, AFGE called out lawmakers for failing to pass a measure that would reopen the Department of Homeland Security and pay tens of thousands of federal employees who have worked without a paycheck for more than a month. Read more here.
Send a Letter About the Shutdown Fairness Act
Note: Please check this page often for updates and be sure to contact your AFGE local union if you have any questions.
Check Out These Shutdown Resources:
Summary of Lawsuits Against Trump
Take Action Now
- Send a Letter to Senators About the Shutdown Fairness Act
- Help Share AFGE’s Message on Social Media
- Share Your Story: Tell the Public About the Impact of the Shutdown
Take Action Locally
- Shutdown Rally Planning Materials
- Rally Flyer (Editable)
- Letter to the Editor Template
- Press Release Template
- Guidance on Federal Employee Speech
- Rally Signs:
Resources for AFGE Members
- Shutdown FAQs
- TSA: Know Your Rights
- 2026 Financial Assistance
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Agency Contingency Plans
- Unemployment Information by State
- Guidance on Outside Employment During a Shutdown
- OPM Guidance on Unemployment
- OPM Shutdown Furlough Guidance
- Shutdown Official Time Guidance
- SmartPay (GSA) FAQs for the Federal Government Shutdown
- Shutdown Assistance Map (SAM) - Resources for Federal Workers
- Mutual Aid Directory
- For questions not answered in the above materials call the General Counsel's Office at (202-639-6424) and ask for the attorney-of-the-day.
