Partnership for Public Service Statement on New Legislation to Ensure Pay for Federal Workers During Shutdowns and End Future Shutdowns

December 18, 2025

The nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service today released the following statement from President and CEO Max Stier in support of the Shutdown Fairness Act and the Eliminate Shutdowns Act, both introduced by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.):

“As we approach the January deadline for the next continuing resolution, it’s important to address the harms that occurred during the last shutdown. The Partnership for Public Service supports Sen. Ron Johnson’s efforts to find solutions through the Shutdown Fairness Act and the Eliminate Shutdowns Act. Federal employees and their pay should never be used as bargaining chips in political and policy disagreements, and communities shouldn’t bear the cost of shuttered services when the president and Congress are unable to complete the basic task of negotiating and passing annual funding bills on time. Shutdowns are a recent phenomenon, not a historical tradition, and they are costly and ineffective way to do business. Putting an end to them ensures the federal government can serve the public more effectively.”

During the past 24 years, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service has been dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. We work across administrations to help transform the way government works by providing agencies with the data insights they need to succeed, developing effective leaders, inspiring the next generation to public service, facilitating smooth presidential transitions and recognizing exceptional federal employees.   

Visit ourpublicservice.org, follow us @PublicService and subscribe today to get the latest federal news, information on upcoming Partnership programs and events, and more.       

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