11:34Senate Majority Leader John Thune chats with ABC News’ Linsey Davis, Oct. 8, 2025. ABC News
On Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune informed ABC News that the numerous federal employees on furlough will be compensated for lost wages once the government reopening occurs.
Nevertheless, he declined to specify whether he had conferred with President Donald Trump on this matter, who had intimated the potential denial of retroactive compensation to some personnel, despite the existing federal statute.
Thune conveyed to ABC News’ Linsey Davis his conviction that those workers impacted by the government standstill would receive their due wages.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaks with ABC News’ Linsey Davis, Oct. 8, 2025.ABC News
"I anticipate they will, that’s the premise upon which I operate, and I also believe that’s what the legal framework dictates," Thune affirmed.
The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 legally requires that federal workers be paid once federal funding is reinstated.
Thune’s statements transpired a day following Trump’s suggestion that certain employees might not obtain any of their delayed salaries when the shutdown concludes.
"I’d have to say it is dependent upon whom we are referencing. Predominantly, though, we aim to assist our workforce. There are individuals who do not entirely merit such consideration, and we shall address their situations uniquely," Trump remarked during a gathering in the Oval Office with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
When Davis inquired whether he had consulted with Trump regarding the issue or concurred with his proposition, Thune remained silent.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaks with ABC News’ Linsey Davis, Oct. 8, 2025.ABC News
"Indeed, I consider that matter quite explicit. I am of the opinion that the legislation—a law enacted around 2018 or 2019—is profoundly unequivocal. Consequently, upon the resumption of government functions, this becomes a moot point," Thune stated.
However, the Senate majority leader echoed the president’s caution regarding potential layoffs and departmental cutbacks if the shutdown were to extend.
"I posit that if the shutdown persists for an extended duration, the administration will be forced to make determinations concerning the priorities of various agencies and government departments," Thune articulated.
"The remedy for this is to reinstate government operations, thereby eradicating any concerns regarding employee compensation," he appended.
Legal authorities contend that the Constitution and federal legislation vest sole authority in Congress to authorize reductions to federal entities or to abolish them completely.
The White House has neither furnished supplementary particulars concerning the legitimacy of Trump’s threats nor addressed inquiries pertaining to how the dismissal of uncompensated individuals would contribute to cost reduction.
Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson have consistently asserted, devoid of substantiation, that the president possesses the prerogative to enforce such cutbacks during the shutdown period.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
