Bynum, Neguse Introduce Bill to Protect Firefighters During a Government Shutdown

Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-02) introduced the Federal Firefighter Paycheck Protection Actto protect all federal firefighters, including wildland firefighters, during a government shutdown.

If Republicans fail to hold a vote on a continuing resolution that funds the government by 11:59PM ET this evening, the government will shut down. In a government shutdown, federal employees are required to work without pay, including federal wildland firefighters.

This legislation prohibits the application of any Reduction in Force (RIF) to federal firefighting positions during a shutdown, and ensures that all federal wildland firefighters and firefighters employed on military installations and federal properties continue to receive their pay during a lapse in appropriations.

"Our firefighters play a critical role this and every wildfire season in keeping our communities safe," said Rep. Bynum. "It's unacceptable that they are at risk of losing their jobs or working without pay just because Republicans can't get their act together. My bill ensures that our first responders are treated fairly and with the respect they deserve during a shutdown. This shouldn't be a partisan issue and I will continue to fight to protect our firefighters.

"If Republicans shut down the government, Donald Trump has made it clear that he intends to make this as painful as possible for hardworking public servants. It's shameful. That's why I'm proud to join my Democratic colleagues in introducing the Federal Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, to prevent federal firefighters from bearing the brunt of Republicans' government shutdown and to ensure they can continue to be paid for their work and protect our communities," said Congressman Neguse.

This legislation is also endorsed by the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE).

"Federal firefighters provide essential services on federal properties and military bases regardless of the political landscape in Washington," said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. "These brave men and women should not be subject to lapses in pay or reckless reductions in force in the event of a government shutdown. We must put the safety of American communities and the dignity of the first responders protecting them above partisan politics. Thank you to Representatives Bynum and Neguse for their leadership on this critical issue."

Alongside Rep. Bynum and Rep. Neguse, original cosponsors include: Rep. George Whitesides (CA-27), Rep. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Rep. Troy Carter (LA-02), Rep. Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Rep. Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Rep. Cleo Fields (LA-06), Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04), Rep. Val Hoyle (OR-04), Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Rep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50), Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-02), Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Rep. Kim Schrier (WA-08), Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-32), Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS-02).

You can view the full text of the bill here.