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Washington, D.C.—The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) backs legislation sponsored by Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) to make sure federal employees who are furloughed during a government shutdown get paid.

Furloughed employees aren’t guaranteed back pay unless Congress passes the necessary legislation after the government reopens. “Excepted” employees—those who are required to work but won’t draw a paycheck for the duration of the shutdown—are required to be paid after the shutdown ends, though the timing is up to Congress.

“Rep. Beyer’s proposal would treat furloughed employees fairly in the event of a federal government shutdown. They shouldn’t be punished because they weren’t responsible for shutting down the government,” said NTEU National President Tony Reardon. “Congress has been entrusted by the American people to keep the government operating. It is inconceivable that Congress cannot pass a funding bill. NTEU is working hard to make that a reality and ensure that agencies get the funding they need to fulfill their critical missions.”

A similar bill was introduced by Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and a group of other senators.

NTEU, the nation’s largest independent federal-employee union, represents 150,000 employees in 31 agencies and departments.