Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told Axios on Thursday that "of course" Congress will ensure furloughed federal workers get back pay once the government reopens.

Why it matters: The White House has made clear that back pay isn't a guarantee, but Johnson signaled that furloughed workers shouldn't worry. • Johnson wasn't familiar with the latest argument from the Trump administration that Congress would need to appropriate the funds. • But Johnson emphasized that he would move to ensure workers get back pay if necessary. • "My understanding is federal law has always been pretty settled on that, and it's always custom that furloughed federal employees get back pay," he told Axios.

State of play: An OMB draft memo, first reported by Axios' Marc Caputo, argued that furloughed federal worke

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