Resources for Federal Workers

Since January 20, President Donald Trump and advisors like Elon Musk have taken aggressive, sweeping actions to attack the federal workforce, which will harm all Americans who count on Social Security, Medicare, veterans' benefits, and other critical federal services. 

Congresswoman Norton is committed to a strong and nonpartisan civil service that can deliver for the American people. She opposes Trump’s actions to purge the civil service and try to force dedicated public servants off the job. She remains concerned that the proposed “deferred resignation” is a dubious means to cause a mass exodus in the federal government. 

As you navigate this challenging time in federal employment, you may wish to contact your union or HR representatives for more information.

National Resources

• House Oversight Committee Democrats: If you are a government employee with information related to the politicization of the federal workforce, the firing of civil servants, and waste, fraud, or abuse of taxpayer dollars, you may reach out anonymously to the Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.
• Civil Service Strong is an effort by civil society, non-partisan good government and watchdog organizations, lawyers, and unions to ensure our nation’s civil service can continue to serve the American people. It contains information regarding resources available for civil servants facing harassment by private individuals, or fearing firing, reassignment, or retaliation on the job.
• Whistleblower.orgis a nonpartisan effort by the Government Accountability Project, promotes government accountability by protecting whistleblowers and advancing occupational free speech. The site contains educational information about the importance of whistleblowing and existing protections.
• TheJusticeConnection.orgis a network of Department of Justice alumni who provide practical support to current employees, including legal services in connection with employees' past or current official positions, help for employees who've been doxed or harassed online, whistleblowing guidance and job-search assistance for those who leave.

D.C. Resources

• Fedsupport.dc.gov: A website set up by the D.C. government with information on a range of resources for federal workers.
• Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO, Claimant Advocacy Program: Provides free legal counseling for union members who have filed unemployment compensation in D.C.
• Bread for the City helps low-income D.C. residents develop their power to determine the future of their own communities. The organization provides food, clothing, medical care, and other social services to reduce the burden of poverty through community organizing and public advocacy.
• Catholic Charities of Washington: A database of various assistance services. D.C. residents can visit the website and filter search results tailored to their specific needs.
• D.C. Dept. of Health Services – Homeless & Homelessness Prevention Services: Short-term housing for families, eviction prevention & rental assistance, housing programs (transitional, rapid re-housing, affordable housing, and permanent housing), and more. See their website for a full list of services.
• D.C. Dept. of Human Services – TANF, SNAP, Medicaid: Helps D.C. residents with food stamps, Medicaid and TANF benefits.
• D.C. Department of Energy & Environment: DOEE provides emergency utility assistance payments (LIHEAP) and the Utility Discount Programs (UDP) to households and assists low-income District residents reduce utility costs. To qualify, you must meet income guidelines, and utility bills must be in the applicant's name.
• D.C. Department of Employment Services: Helps D.C. residents apply for unemployment benefits and provides assistance in finding employment.
• Columbus Community Legal Services at the Catholic University of America: Free legal services to low-income District residents in civil matters. There are two dedicated clinics: the Families and the Law Clinic and the Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Clinic. No walk-ins accepted: all requests for assistance should be made over the phone (number provided above). No cases are accepted during the summer.
• LawHelp.org: A general resource for different types of legal help in Washington, D.C.
• Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia: Free legal aid for low-income individuals and households in the following areas: rental housing, public benefits (except for veterans’ benefits and Medicare), family and domestic violence, consumer and foreclosure protection, and some immigration cases. Intake can be conducted online, over phone, or in person. There are case-specific hotlines available to call on their website, as well as a second address for in-person intake.