Shutdown Timecard Risks for Federal Employees
anti-deficiency act civil service protections federal employment government shutdown time and attendance Feb 10, 2026Every federal employee knows the tension of a shutdown week: unclear guidance, shifting emails, and pressure to “keep things running.” But when that confusion spills into time-and-attendance reporting, the risk stops being institutional and becomes personal.
Recent reporting describes Army civilian employees who were told to proceed with normal operations during a funding lapse due to “no formal guidance”—only to later receive furlough notices. More concerning, some were reportedly instructed to code their timesheets as furlough for entire days, even if they had already worked.
That is not just messy management. It potentially implicates federal law and personal integrity.
The Anti-Deficiency Act and “Excepted” Status
During a shutdown, agencies may only accept work in narrow circumstances. The Anti-Deficiency Act generally prohibits federal agencies from obligating funds or accepting voluntary services without an appropriation. The limited exception applies to work necessary for the safety of human life or protection of property.
This is why shutdown designations matter. Employees are typically categorized as:
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Excepted or Exempted – authorized to work due to statutory or emergency authority.
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Non-Excepted – furloughed and not permitted to work.
When agencies blur those lines—directing work without a clear designation—they create compliance risks. When they later attempt to retroactively “correct” the record by instructing employees to certify they did not work, the burden shifts unfairly to individual employees.
Timesheet Certification Is a Personal Representation
Federal employees certify that their timecards are true and accurate. That certification is not symbolic. It is an official attestation.
If an employee worked and is instructed to record zero hours, that creates a direct conflict between obedience and honesty. No career federal employee should be forced into that position because leadership failed to issue timely guidance.
The takeaway is simple: never treat time-and-attendance entries as administrative trivia. They are legal documents.
How to Protect Yourself—Calmly and Professionally
If faced with inconsistent shutdown instructions:
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Preserve the record. Save emails directing you to work, furlough notices, and any time-coding instructions. Keep copies in a secure folder you control.
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Seek written clarification. A neutral line such as: “To confirm, I worked from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on February 2. How should I accurately record that time?” protects you without escalating the situation.
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Use available protections. Contact your union if you are bargaining-unit eligible. If you feel pressured to submit inaccurate records, consult a qualified federal employment attorney.
The goal is not confrontation. The goal is staying clean.
A Mindful Perspective in Uncertain Moments
Shutdown chaos can trigger anxiety—especially when instructions change rapidly. Mindfulness in this context means slowing down before reacting. Documentation is not distrust; it is steadiness. Asking for clarification is not insubordination; it is professionalism.
When guidance is messy, clarity becomes your protection.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
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