With government funding set to expire at midnight Sept. 30, AFGE President Everett Kelley is urging lawmakers to come to the table and reach a deal to avert a damaging shutdown.
“The truth is simple: Republicans cannot fund the government without Democratic votes. That means the only path forward is compromise. The president and congressional leaders must sit down and negotiate in good faith to keep the lights on for the American people. Nothing less is acceptable,” Kelley said.
The need to avert a shutdown reached a new level of urgency last week, after Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought announced his intention to pursue another DOGE-like round of illegal mass firings in the event of a shutdown.
Vought ordered agencies to identify employees working in programs, projects, or activities that would cease to continue during a shutdown and that are inconsistent with President Trump’s priorities. These employees would be issued reduction-in-force notices in the event of a shutdown – regardless of whether they are furloughed or deemed essential, Vought said.
President Kelley criticized politicians who are playing games when it comes to funding the federal government – threatening real Americans’ jobs, paychecks, and access to vital services.
“Federal employees are not bargaining chips. They are veterans, caregivers, law enforcement officers, and neighbors who serve their country and fellow Americans every day. They deserve stability and respect, not pink slips and political games."
Since taking office in January 2025, President Trump has issued a series of unlawful executive orders, and taken several unlawful actions, seeking to shut down congressionally mandated agencies, fire and displace federal workers, outlaw their unions, and gut merit systems protections.
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A federal judge has ordered the Department of Veterans Affairs to reinstate the union contract covering 320,000 VA employees represented by AFGE in a major victory over the implementation of President Trump’s union-busting executive orders.
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As the Department of Homeland Security shutdown reaches the one-month mark with no end in sight, AFGE leaders are calling on Congress to ensure all DHS workers are paid.
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