Debt Ceiling Fight Leaves Federal Workers Frustrated Over Risk To Pay

Debt Ceiling Fight Leaves Federal Workers Frustrated Over Risk To Pay

May 31, 2023, Federal Times

Michele Pearce and Stephanie Barna’s commentary was included in a Federal Times article exploring how the delay in the US’s debt ceiling negotiations could negatively impact the civilian workforce, government contractors and defense efforts.

Discussing how a default would impact the Pentagon, Michele and Stephanie emphasized that service members cannot be furloughed, but civilian employees can. Stephanie added that the Department of Defense “simply could not function well without its civilian workforce” should things escalate to that point.

Pentagon officials relayed to Stephanie that they’re being told to keep coming to work until directed otherwise. While the military would be required to work regardless of a default, what is uncertain is whether both civilian and military employees will be paid in regular order. If they are not, that especially strains junior-level individuals and their families.

Michele added, “Historically, people have been paid retroactively in the event of a government shutdown, but that’s small comfort if you’re waiting for a deposit in your bank account, and you’re an Airman First Class or a GS-12.”

The threat of a default also calls attention to cracks in government process. According to Michele, “Tradeoffs, for example, between personnel, readiness and modernization priorities are always difficult, even during a typical budget planning cycle. Striking the right balance during times of budget uncertainty makes it even more so. Do you choose between cutting personnel or delaying modernization programs? And what about readiness programs that ensure forces have the training and equipment needed to deploy?”

Stephanie also calls attention to how this crisis could influence recruiting, retention and the appropriations cycle. “It’s hard recruiting not only for the military or for public service, but it’s hard to ask people to dedicate their businesses and their innovations to the government, when the government doesn’t have the on-time funding required to be a constant and reliable partner.”

A default would disrupt federal agencies across the board. As to what senior federal officials can do to avert a default, Michele said agency heads are in a position to relay mission impacts related to delays across the legislative and executive branches. Stephanie also added, “As we saw at the end of last year, there can be significant positive impact when leaders who have credibility with the Hill speak openly about how a lengthy continuing resolution will affect the soldier on the ground. If a deal fails, operations will quickly get to an untenable place.”

Click here to read the full article.