HR1858: HR1858 Georgia's congressional delegation; pass the Essential Worker Pay Protection Act and codify permanent protections for essential federal employees during government shutdowns; urge

26 LC 112 4019 House Resolution 1858 By: Representatives Davis of the 87th, Scott of the 76th, and Schofield of the 63rd A RESOLUTION Urging Georgia's congressional delegation to pass the Essential Worker Pay Protection Act1 and codify permanent protections for essential federal employee s during government2 shutdowns; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, this resolution shall be known and may be cited as "The Essential Worker Pay4 Protection Resolution"; and5 WHEREAS, federal government shutdowns create significant hardship for essential federal6 employees, including air traffic controllers, law enforcement o fficers, military personnel,7 security forces, TSA security officers, and federal medical staff, who are often required to8 work without pay until appropriations are restored; and9 WHEREAS, these workers provide critical services that ensure pu blic safety, national10 security, transportation stability, and healthcare continuity f or millions of Americans,11 including residents of the State of Georgia; and12 WHEREAS, requiring essential employees to continue working without timely compensation13 places undue financial strain on working families and undermine s workforce morale and14 stability; and15 H. R. 1858 - 1 - 26 LC 112 4019 WHEREAS, delayed or withheld pay during federal shutdowns disproportionately impacts16 middle– and lower-income households, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck and17 cannot absorb interruptions in income; and18 WHEREAS, federal shutdowns are a recurring issue, demonstrating a systemic failure to19 protect the financial security of essential workers who are req uired to report to duty20 regardless of political impasse; and21 WHEREAS, members of the Georgia General Assembly, including Representatives Viola22 Davis, Kim Schofield, and Sandra G. Scott, have called upon Georgia's federal congressional23 delegation to take immediate action to protect essential workers; and24 WHEREAS, the proposed Essential Worker Pay Protection Act of 2025 would ensure that25 essential federal employees continue to receive their pay during any government shutdown26 and guarantee backpay for all affected workers once operations resume; and27 WHEREAS, it is both a moral obligation and a matter of sound public policy to ensure that28 those who serve the nation are not subjected to financial instability due to lapses in federal29 appropriations.30 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that31 the members of this body urge Georgia's congressional delegation to introduce and pass the32 Essential Worker Pay Protection Act of 2025, ensuring uninterrupted pay for essential federal33 employees during any government shutdown; guarantee retroactive backpay for all34 furloughed or unpaid federal workers once government operations resume; and establish35 permanent federal protections that prevent essential workers fr om being required to work36 without compensation during future shutdowns.37 H. R. 1858 - 2 - 26 LC 112 4019 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized38 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the39 members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation.40 H. R. 1858 - 3 -