U.S. federal employees who are furloughed during a government shutdown are generally entitled to receive retroactive (back) pay once government funding is restored.
October 08, 2025
high
temporal
Legal and budgetary practice affecting federal employment during government shutdowns.
The U.S. government can designate criminal organizations, including drug cartels, as foreign terrorist organizations, which can trigger additional enforcement and financial measures.
October 06, 2025
high
temporal
Designation as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) is a policy tool used to expand enforcement options against non-state groups.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits the government from compelling speech by federal employees.
October 05, 2025
high
legal
Constitutional free-speech principle cited in litigation over compelled employee messaging.
A joint resolution related to the 2019 amendment specified that the U.S. government would pay 'obligations incurred' during the 2019 government shutdown.
January 25, 2019
high
temporal
The joint resolution clarified that certain obligations from the 2019 lapse would be paid.
A temporary government funding action provides funding for federal operations for a specified short period and permits the regular appropriations process to continue.
high
process
General description of the effect of short-term funding measures used to reopen or temporarily fund government operations.
A U.S. government shutdown occurs when appropriations lapse and federal operations lack enacted funding.
high
temporal
General definition of a federal government shutdown