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Our online community now tops 150,000 federal workers and supporters across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Each briefing distills the day’s most consequential developments, adds clear-eyed legal analysis, and pairs it with mindfulness tools that keep you steady no matter how turbulent the news cycle becomes. If this newsletter helps you stay informed, please pass it on: https://fedlegalhelp.com/newsletter. Your advocacy broadens the protective circle for every federal employee.

Top Three News Stories:

1. On Tuesday, the Trump Admin Said Furloughed Feds Were Not Guaranteed Back Pay. On Wednesday, it Sent Notices Saying They Were

The administration reversed course after floating a narrow legal reading of the 2019 back pay law, with agencies (including IRS) sending furlough notices that explicitly reference guaranteed back pay under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019. The article notes bipartisan pushback to OMB’s earlier stance and cites language from the employee notices promising payment “on the earliest date possible after the lapse ends.” The change came as IRS and other agencies began broader furloughs due to the ongoing shutdown. For federal employees: your furlough notice should state you will receive retroactive pay once the shutdown ends—keep a copy of that notice and any related communications. Nextgov

Legal Insight:

The 2019 law generally requires back pay for furloughed and “excepted” employees after a lapse ends. Keep your furlough letter, do not work off the clock, and follow agency instructions for orderly shutdown tasks only. If your notice lacks back-pay language or you’re told to perform unpaid work, document it and raise the issue with your supervisor or union. Because interpretations can shift and disputes may arise, consider consulting counsel if your rights appear at risk.

2. IRS Shutters ‘Most Operations,’ Furloughs Employees as Shutdown Continues

IRS said “most operations are closed,” began an agency-wide furlough, and posted instructions for employees as shutdown contingency funding ran out. Updated Treasury/IRS plans indicate roughly half the workforce would remain excepted or exempt, with employees allowed up to four hours to complete orderly shutdown tasks. IRS notices reiterated that furloughed and excepted staff will receive back pay after the lapse ends. For federal employees: monitor the IRS employee emergency page, complete only permitted shutdown tasks, and retain your furlough letter; look into state unemployment eligibility if needed. Federal News Network

Legal Insight: 

During a shutdown, you must stop performing non-excepted duties and avoid using government equipment beyond the limited purposes your agency authorizes. Save all written instructions and keep a personal log of dates and communications. If you’re directed to work without pay, raise it promptly with management or your union and keep records. For questions on unemployment, benefits changes (e.g., FEHB/TSP), or potential RIF overlap, seek specific advice from your HR office or an attorney.

3. Federal Employee Appeals Board Gets Quorum After Senate Confirms New Member

The Senate confirmed James Woodruff to the Merit Systems Protection Board, restoring a quorum after months without one. Lawmakers also introduced the Fair Access to Swift and Timely Justice Act to allow employees to sue in federal court if MSPB delays cases beyond 120 days. With MSPB operations paused by the shutdown, the quorum positions the Board to resume issuing decisions once funding is restored. For federal employees: if you have an adverse-action or RIF appeal at MSPB, expect the Board to be able to issue final decisions again after the shutdown; track your case status and deadlines. Government Executive

Legal Insight:  

A functioning MSPB means appeals can move from administrative judge decisions to Board review and final orders. Keep your timelines current (filing windows, petitions for review) and save all filings. If your case is stuck or you think new legislation could affect your options, talk with your representative or counsel about strategy. When MSPB reopens, deadlines may restart or be recalculated—don’t assume extensions without written notice.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

Document-Review Sensory Anchor 

While scanning records, keep part of your awareness on a physical sensation—feet on the floor, pen in hand, or the feel of your chair. This dual awareness acts as a buffer against emotional hijacking. You stay present with the facts without absorbing their emotional weight. Your documentation will be cleaner and more objective.