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Dozens of lawmakers from both parties do not want to take any chances in ensuring federal employees are taken care of during a shutdown, pushing legislation that would guarantee back pay for anyone furloughed during an appropriations lapse.

Sixty-six members of Congress have already signed on to the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act, which was introduced by Virginia Reps. Don Beyer, D, and Rob Wittman, R. About 350,000 federal workers would be sent home without pay if Congress does not act by Friday evening to fund an array of agencies that have yet to receive full-year appropriations. An additional 500,000 employees would report to work normally during a partial shutdown because they are exempted from furloughs, but they are guaranteed back pay once the government reopens.

“Preferably, Congress will reach an agreement to enact legislation to fully fund the government and allow our dedicated federal workforce to continue to carry out its critical mission,” Beyer wrote in a “dear colleague” letter pushing the legislation. “In absence of such agreement and with time running dangerously short, federal employees should be assured that there is agreement in Congress that they will receive their full pay in a fair and timely manner.”

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