Protect Those Who Protect Us: Georgia Resolution Calls for Essential Worker Pay Protections

PRESS RELEASE

House Resolution 1858 Urges Federal Action to Ensure Workers Like TSA Are Paid

ATLANTA — Representatives Viola Davis (District 87), Kim Schofield (District 63), and Sandra G. Scott (District 76) announced continued action to protect essential workers and essential services during federal government shutdowns through House Resolution 1858, the Essential Worker Pay Protection Resolution.

House Resolution 1858 urges Georgia’s Congressional Delegation to pass federal legislation that guarantees essential federal employees are paid during government shutdowns and ensures permanent protections, so workers are never again required to work without pay.

According to the resolution, essential federal employees such as TSA officers, air traffic controllers, law enforcement officers, military personnel, and federal medical staff are often required to continue working during government shutdowns without pay, placing financial strain on working families and creating instability in essential services.

House Resolution 1858 calls on Congress to:

• Ensure essential federal workers are paid during government shutdowns
• Guarantee backpay for furloughed workers
• Establish permanent federal protections so essential workers are never required to work without pay again
• Protect essential services that Americans rely on daily

These protections are especially important for Georgia due to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport, where TSA and aviation workers are critical to national transportation and security.

The passage of House Resolution 1858 is part of a broader action plan that began in 2025 to address the impact of federal shutdowns on workers and essential services. The timeline of events includes:

1.November 12, 2025
Georgia legislators sent a letter to Georgia’s Congressional Delegation requesting federal action to protect essential workers and preserve safety-net programs during government shutdowns. The letter requested federal legislation to ensure uninterrupted pay for essential federal employees and continuity for programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, and WIC.

2.November 2025
Georgia legislators also sent letters to the Governor and Attorney General requesting the creation of a Georgia Emergency Benefits Continuity Plan to protect Georgia families and essential services during future shutdowns.

3.December 9, 2025
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock responded and outlined federal efforts to protect federal workers and prevent interruptions to essential programs during shutdowns.

4.February 14, 2026
A partial federal government shutdown began affecting the Department of Homeland Security, including TSA workers.

5.March 17, 2026
The Transportation Security Administration Pay Act of 2026 (S.4127) was introduced in Congress to provide continuing appropriations to ensure TSA employees receive pay and benefits during the shutdown.

6.March 2026
Georgia legislators continued efforts through House Resolution 1858, urging permanent federal protections for essential workers.

Several federal bills are currently being considered to protect essential workers during shutdowns, including:

• Transportation Security Administration Pay Act of 2026
• Shutdown Fairness Act
• Keep America Flying Act
• Keep Air Travel Safe Act
• Government Employee Fair Treatment Act (backpay after shutdown)

These bills aim to ensure essential workers are paid during shutdowns and that essential services remain operational.

Attachment and Links:

1. House Resolution 1858
2. Information on federal TSA Pay Act and other legislation

Georgia Representatives Joint Statement:

“Essential workers should never be forced to choose between serving their country and paying their bills. TSA officers, military personnel, law enforcement officers, and federal medical staff protect our nation every day. House Resolution 1858 is part of our ongoing action plan to ensure these workers are paid and essential services remain operational during government shutdowns. We want to thank our federal elected officials, especially Senator Rapheal Warnock’s office, for helping us move this action plan to ensure essential workers are paid during government shutdowns.”

Link to Georgia House of Representatives Press Release on the same article: house-press.com/reps-viola-davis-kim-schofield-and-sandra-scott-introduce-resolution-urging-congress-to-pass-the-essential-worker-pay-protection-act/