Shutdown Guidance

The Committee on House Administration has issued guidance for Member offices on the impact of a government shutdown on legislative operations - Below

House Democrats are committed to avoiding a government shutdown. While we believe a government shutdown can and should be avoided, the Democratic staff of the Committee on House Administration is prepared to guide your offices through the appropriate procedures should a Republican shutdown occur. Under House Rules each Member and Committee Office is an “employing authority”. As an employing authority, each Member has the discretion to determine who within their staff is an essential employee and who should be furloughed.

Generally, staff may be considered essential if their responsibilities support Members’ performance of their constitutional responsibilities. Since each Member’s office is organized differently, it is anticipated that there will be a diverse interpretation and implementation of this guidance. According to the Office of the CAO, the forms designating those employees that you have determined are non-essential and subject to furlough, are due to the Finance office by close of business (5pm) on Monday, September 30th. We’ve attached copies of the necessary forms, as well as sample letters for essential/non-essential employees and sample notices to outside vendors, consultants and contractors. There’s also a chart outlining expected levels of service during a shutdown.

Should you have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to call us at 202.225.2061

• Guidance on Legislative Operations During a Lapse in Appropriations
• Furlough Authorization Form
• Sample Notice to Essential Employees
• Sample Notice to Non-Essential Employees
• Sample Notice to Outside Vendors, Consultants, and Contractors
• Sample Notice to Outside Vendors, Consultants, and Contractors (Microsoft Word version)
• Expected Levels of Service During a Lapse in Appropriations