As the government shutdown enters its eighth day, uncertainty looms for federal workers who have been furloughed. The Trump administration has issued conflicting messages regarding back pay, with a White House memo indicating that furloughed employees may not be entitled to this compensation, despite a law enacted in 2019 that generally guarantees it. While President Trump has suggested that some workers may not receive their back pay after the shutdown ends, Republican lawmakers express concerns over these threats. This situation has resulted in growing frustration among affected workers, who describe the potential loss of back pay as devastating. Moreover, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has reportedly removed reference to the law ensuring back pay from official guidance, further complicating the narrative. As Congress prepares for critical votes, the impasse continues, adding pressure to resolve the shutdown.