# Do White House domestic staff still work during a goverment shutdown? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 22, 2018, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176 "2018-01-22T03:11:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/21 "2018-01-22T15:40:42Z")
I recall the White House Garden got neglected three years ago during the last government shutdown. Only essential staff and services were allowed to work. Obviously the garden was a very low priority. I remember thinking that Michelle could go out there, turn on a hose, and pick whatever was ripe. But I think they let the ripe vegetables rot. Another symbolic gesture during the shutdown. Won’t be an issue this time because it’s winter. The current shutdown will be resolved long before Spring. ---
**Author:** ![spifflog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/22 "2018-01-22T15:48:39Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > Yep, [military isn’t getting paid](https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/01/18/how-government-shutdown-would-impact-pay-benefits.html). Get off your ass congress and actually show that you support our troops instead of just saying the words. The military does indeed get paid. This meme should be stopped. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/23 "2018-01-22T15:56:27Z")
> [@spifflog](#): > > The military does indeed get paid. This meme should be stopped. This post and the ones claiming they don’t get paid are both half-true: They will _eventually_ get paid, but unless Congress authorizes it they will not receive it until the shutdown is over. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/24 "2018-01-22T15:57:59Z")
Those who are working because they are exempted from the shutdown are in fact earning pay, however, the next payday may be delayed to an uncertain date. (In past shutdowns, a payday would be delayed, however, the Trump Administration has been making vague statements that it wishes to mitigate the effects of a shutdown, so it is not exactly clear how that will work.) Those who are furloughed from work are not earning pay. However, when this has happened in the past, Congress has passed a law concurrent with the budget bill that reopens government operations that directs that furloughed workers shall receive pay for the time they were furloughed. There is no guarantee this will happen, but it is probably a pretty good bet. I do not know whether White House domestic staff are exempted from the shutdown. If I had to guess, there is almost certainly a skeleton crew to make sure that trash is removed, someone on-hand to respond to plumbing problems, and similar basic functions. I have a hard time seeing how domestic staff could carry out other types of work, like perhaps redecorating the White House for Valentine’s Day. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/25 "2018-01-22T15:58:35Z")
> [@spifflog](#): > > The military does indeed get paid. This meme should be stopped. No, the military is not getting paid. From the cited article. > [@](#): > > Although active duty troops and Guard and Reservists on active duty orders are expected to show-up for work during a shutdown, they will not get paid unless Congress passes a separate piece of legislation to do so. Such a bill was awaiting action from the House and Senate Saturday. > > Without that legislation, known as the Pay Our Military Act, troops will receive partial paychecks Feb. 1 only for days worked prior to Jan. 20. I can find no indication that the Pay Our Military Act has been passed. In fact, [McConnell himself blocked an attempt to do so](https://www.app.com/story/news/politics/new-jersey/2018/01/21/nj-rep-tom-macarthur-says-dont-pay-congress-pay-troops/1051991001/). > [@](#): > > An earlier effort to protect military pay was made by Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri, but it was blocked by Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, who said the priority should be reaching agreement on a full funding plan. But he conceded an interim military pay carveout might eventually be necessary. This may change at any moment, but my latest Google News feed doesn’t have it, so I’m assuming no bill. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/26 "2018-01-22T16:02:01Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > Yep, [military isn’t getting paid](https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/01/18/how-government-shutdown-would-impact-pay-benefits.html). Get off your ass congress and actually show that you support our troops instead of just saying the words. **Moderator Note** Let’s refrain from political commentary in GQ. No warning issued. Colibri General Questions Moderator ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/27 "2018-01-22T16:02:32Z")
It would be interesting to read the thread from three years ago. I think it was in Mundane. I suspect we’ll see exactly the same script followed. Highlighting the services shut off and building pressure to find a solution. I’m getting a strong dose of Déjà vu. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/28 "2018-01-22T16:06:41Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I suspect we’ll see exactly the same script followed. Highlighting the services shut off and building pressure to find a solution. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Mick Mulvaney, has literally said the opposite. > **[Mulvaney: Trump won't 'weaponize' shutdown like Obama team did](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mulvaney-trump-wont-weaponize-shutdown-like-obama-team-did)** > > White House budget Director Mick Mulvaney tried Sunday to calm Americans’ fears about the government shutdown, vowing those going to work Monday won’t see a “dramatic difference” because President Trump isn’t trying to “weaponize” the situation like... ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/29 "2018-01-22T16:26:49Z")
> [@spifflog](#): > > The military does indeed get paid. This meme should be stopped. So back up your assertion with some facts, like a link showing that congress has authorized payment to the military. The cite I provided was from an actual military publication so this is not a meme as you say, it’s a fact backed up by people who provide information to our servicemen. Their pay is defered, which means they cannot pay bills, that is a hardship. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/30 "2018-01-22T16:27:14Z")
I hope you’re right Ravenman. The less this shutdown hurts ordinary people the better. ---
**Author:** ![Wallet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e99b99/32.png) [@Wallet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wallet)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/31 "2018-01-22T16:28:18Z")
> [@Arkcon](#): > > And this is the case, nation-wide, for a variety of government services. Yes, there’s a shutdown, yes people can’t tour the Statue of Liberty today, but no, the arm isn’t going to fall off tomorrow.\ Nitpick: The Statue of Liberty (and Ellis Island) will indeed be open during the government shutdown. New York State will cover all costs until the impasse is over. > **[Statue of Liberty Will Reopen Despite Government Shutdown (Published 2018)](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/21/nyregion/statue-of-liberty-government-shutdown.html)** > > Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo reached a deal with the Interior Department to reopen the statue, paying its operating costs from the state tourism budget. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/32 "2018-01-22T16:37:08Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > The cite I provided was from an actual military publication so this is not a meme as you say, it’s a fact backed up by people who provide information to our servicemen. While it may support the military in its own way and for its own purposes, [military.com](http://military.com) is not officially a military site. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/33 "2018-01-22T17:03:45Z")
I have heard several joking comments at work, that the shutdown would end within minutes if the Capital Police and Secret Service weren’t paid & walked off the job. It’s amazing how a little skin in the game would change everyones attitude. 😉 They probably won’t get paid but will work. It’ll all get worked out in a few days anyhow. Whatever missed pay will be issued afterwards. ---
**Author:** ![spifflog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/34 "2018-01-22T17:04:30Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > So back up your assertion with some facts, like a link showing that congress has authorized payment to the military. The cite I provided was from an actual military publication so this is not a meme as you say, it’s a fact backed up by people who provide information to our servicemen. Their pay is defered, which means they cannot pay bills, that is a hardship. From your site: "Although active duty troops and Guard and Reservists on active duty orders are expected to show-up for work during a shutdown, they will not get paid unless Congress passes a separate piece of legislation to do so. Such a bill was awaiting action from the House and Senate Saturday.’ In at least the last 30 years, the military has never once had their paychecks deferred. If something hasn’t happened in 30 plus years, I think you need definitive evidence of a change in process to declare that it will happen next year. DFAS employees have always been categorized as “essential” and Congress has always funded them And “[military.com](http://military.com)” certainly isn’t an “actual military publication” if by that you mean a military or federal government publication. The “.com” should have given you a hint. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/35 "2018-01-22T17:08:41Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > While it may support the military in its own way and for its own purposes, [military.com](http://military.com) is not officially a military site. So does that make the facts less true? I’m just asking that if he is going to call it a meme based upon my source that he back up his assertion with a factual cite as well. I do believe that my cite is credible, do you agree? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/36 "2018-01-22T17:10:56Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > So does that make the facts less true? I’m just asking that if he is going to call it a meme based upon my source that he back up his assertion with a factual cite as well. I do believe that my cite is credible, do you agree? I did not question whether the facts were or were not correct-I questioned your claim that the facts came from a military site…which they did not. ---
**Author:** ![spifflog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/37 "2018-01-22T17:20:32Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > So does that make the facts less true? I’m just asking that if he is going to call it a meme based upon my source that he back up his assertion with a factual cite as well. I do believe that my cite is credible, do you agree? Well, you stated that the source was: “from an actual military publication so this is not a meme as you say, it’s a fact backed up by people who provide information to our servicemen.” Your quote was an attempt to give it some additional gravitas. So yes, this does in fact make it less true. And it’s not. [Military.com](http://Military.com) isn’t a government source. Additionally, getting paid late (which would be the worst case scenario) is much worse than the “military isn’t getting paid” which your originally stated. The military works during a shutdown and get paid during a shutdown. You’ve moved the goalposts. Bottom line: This bumper sticker quote is meant to inflame the discussion and it isn’t correct. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/38 "2018-01-22T17:43:32Z")
> [@spifflog](#): > > Well, you stated that the source was: > > “from an actual military publication so this is not a meme as you say, it’s a fact backed up by people who provide information to our servicemen.” > > Your quote was an attempt to give it some additional gravitas. So yes, this does in fact make it less true. And it’s not. [Military.com](http://Military.com) isn’t a government source. > > Additionally, getting paid late (which would be the worst case scenario) is much worse than the “military isn’t getting paid” which your originally stated. The military works during a shutdown and get paid during a shutdown. You’ve moved the goalposts. > > Bottom line: This bumper sticker quote is meant to inflame the discussion and it isn’t correct. Wait. \*You \*were the one to post that “The military does indeed get paid.” Of course it’s true that every employee does get paid eventually for work done during the shutdown. The real-world point is that without the Pay Our Military Act the military would not get paid until the shutdown ends. That might mean missing a paycheck if the shutdown were to last until February. Everybody else seems to understand that. Si Amigo said that specifically. The post I just quoted is so confused I’m not sure what you’re claiming or think you’re claiming. But Si Amigo is right. I just heard news that a compromise has been reached and that the Senate will vote on a short-term bill today. If all goes well, everyone will get their paychecks on schedule. That reality doesn’t change the facts of the current situation. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/39 "2018-01-22T17:48:51Z")
Both sides are leaving out a word to bolster their arguments. “They do not get paid _ **yet** _” “They will be paid _ **eventually** _” ---
**Author:** ![spifflog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2018, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176/40 "2018-01-22T17:48:52Z")
> [@Exapno\_Mapcase](#): > > Wait. \*You \*were the one to post that “The military does indeed get paid.” > > Of course it’s true that every employee does get paid eventually for work done during the shutdown. The real-world point is that without the Pay Our Military Act the military would not get paid until the shutdown ends. That might mean missing a paycheck if the shutdown were to last until February. Everybody else seems to understand that. Si Amigo said that specifically. > > The post I just quoted is so confused I’m not sure what you’re claiming or think you’re claiming. But Si Amigo is right. > > I just heard news that a compromise has been reached and that the Senate will vote on a short-term bill today. If all goes well, everyone will get their paychecks > on schedule. That reality doesn’t change the facts of the current situation. Let’s cut through the bullshit here, shall we? The quote “the military doesn’t get paid” is meant to inflame the discussion with at best a half truth. The common usage of “Jack doesn’t get paid” means that he did work, and would never see the money owed to him. Why don’t some people use the phrase “the military will get paid late?” Because it doesn’t have nearly the same impact. I was in the military for 30 plus years ending last year. We never didn’t get paid, and we were never paid late. The military pay date is still 10 days away, so there was more than enough to make this right - as has always been the case. But let’s continue on beating the drum because some half ass web site said so. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-house-domestic-staff-still-work-during-a-goverment-shutdown/807176.md?page=3)