"As if the Senate’s first real effort to move on full-year appropriations coming 41 days into the fiscal year wasn’t bad enough, it is a double whammy that the proposal includes an across the board pay freeze for the federal workforce. 

Alexandria, VA – Earlier tonight, September 30, the U.S. Senate approved a Continuing Resolution (CR) providing government funding through December 11, 2020. The final vote was 84 - 10. Federal Managers Association (FMA) National President Craig Carter made the following statement in response to its passage:

“As I said last week when the House passed the continuing resolution, a CR is preferable to a government shutdown. But preferable in this case does not amount to desirable, except when put against the catastrophe of a government shutdown. Regrettably, this is the exact situation we find ourselves in yet again."

"FMA would like to acknowledge the House’s efforts to fund the federal government. The House successfully passed ten of twelve spending bills before the August recess, and did significant work on all twelve. Passing these spending bills is critical to enabling federal workers and agencies to carry out their crucial missions on behalf of the American people. We thank the House for their commitment to this process. FMA urges the Senate to respond to this overwhelmingly bipartisan continuing resolution by swiftly passing their own CR prior to October 1 when the government would be forced to shut down due to lack of funding.”

Alexandria, VA – On Tuesday, July 28, the Federal Labor-Management Covid Partnership Act (S. 4347) was introduced in the Senate to create a task force of administration leaders, managers, and union officials, with FMA representing workforce managers. The task force would review agencies’ policies related to the Covid-19 pandemic and make recommendations. As lead sponsor Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) noted, “This bill is about protecting our federal workers during the Covid pandemic.”

“I am discouraged to learn of Director Cabaniss’ resignation as OPM Director. FMA enjoyed a positive working relationship with her and her team and saw eye to eye on many, if not most, issues."