[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 182 (Thursday, November 16, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S17188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          FURLOUGH OF WORKERS

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I have decided on a day-to-day basis 
that my staff will report for work during the partial shutdown of the 
Federal Government. I have reached this decision for two reasons.
  First, the Republican leadership has indicated that Federal workers 
who are furloughed will be paid retroactively even though they did not 
work. Since they will be paid, I believe that members of my staff here 
in Washington and in my offices in Michigan should work for that pay. I 
ask that a letter to Representative Constance Morella of Maryland from 
Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and the Senate majority leader be 
printed in the Record at the conclusion of my statement.
  Second, during this period of crisis, it is perhaps even more 
important for my constituents to be able to contact me to express their 
views, and to seek information and assistance. Many are experiencing 
difficulties obtaining normal services from the Government because many 
offices are closed or not at full strength.
  The letter follows:

                                Congress of the United States,

                                Washington, DC, November 10, 1995.
     Hon. Constance Morella,
     106 Cannon House Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Connie: We will be sending soon to President Clinton a 
     bill to continue funding for the federal government through 
     December 1, 1995. Besides providing for government services, 
     this bill also funds federal workers' salaries.
       If the President decides to veto this vital legislation to 
     keep government operating, the possibility exists that some 
     federal workers may be furloughed. In the event that this 
     takes place, it is our commitment that federal employees will 
     not be punished as a direct result of the President's 
     decision to veto funding for their salaries. Should this 
     happen, we are committed to restoring any lost wages in a 
     subsequent funding bill.
       Again, we want to reasure you that if the President vetoes 
     the continuing resolution and requires federal workers to be 
     furloughed, we are committed to restoring any lost wages 
     retroactively.
           Sincerely,
     Newt Gingrich,
       Speaker of the House.
     Bob Dole,
       Senate Majority Leader.

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