AFGE is urging the Senate to pass the funding resolution passed by the House to avoid a government shutdown Oct. 1. 

The House passed legislation Sept. 22 that would fund the government until Dec. 11 and address a number of other critical issues, including preventing unpaid furloughs for employees at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The bill also prohibits agencies from firing or furloughing federal workers because of a budget shortfall. 

The bill passed by a vote of 359 to 57. It will now go to the Senate. 

“We strongly urge the Senate to pass this bill without delay and President Trump to sign it into law,” said AFGE President Everett Kelley. 

Kelley said federal employees are working diligently to serve the American people while responding to a series of concurrent national emergencies, including the coronavirus pandemic, the horrific wildfires out west, and one of the most active hurricane seasons in years. 

“Failing to fund the federal government past the end of the month would cause massive disruptions for employees and all citizens who depend on them -- including those currently suffering from the pandemic and natural disasters,” he added.