Reps. Viola Davis, Kim Schofield and Sandra Scott Introduce Resolution Urging Congress to Pass the Essential Worker Pay Protection Act

ATLANTA - State Representatives Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) and Sandra Scott (D-Rex) recently introduced House Resolution 1858, which urges Georgia's congressional delegation to pass the Essential Worker Pay Protection Act and codify permanent protections of essential federal employees during government shutdowns.

"Essential workers should never be forced to choose between serving their country and paying their bills," said Reps. Davis, Schofield and Scott jointly. "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."

The representatives also emphasize that the provisions in HR 1858 are particularly important for Georgia, given recent events at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and aviation workers play a role in national transportation and security.

Additionally, the representatives note that HR 1858 is part of a broader action plan they began in 2025 in response to federal government shutdowns and the impact on workers and essential services. On November 12, 2025, Reps. Davis, Schofield and Scott sent a letter to the state's congressional delegation requesting federal action to protect essential workers during federal government shutdowns.

Later in November 2025, the representatives sent letters to the governor and attorney general requesting the creation of a Georgia Emergency Benefits Continuity Plan. On December 9, 2025, U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock responded.

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

On March 17, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration Pay Act of 2026 was introduced in Congress. Throughout March 2026, Reps. Davis, Schofield and Scott emphasize they have continued their efforts through the introducing of HR 1858.

Reps. Davis, Schofield and Scott further emphasize that the following federal legislation has been introduced to address essential workers during government shutdowns: the Shutdown Fairness Act, Keep America Flying Act, Keep Air Travel Safe Act and the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act.

The representatives have shared a link to the Transportation Security Pay Act of 2026, which can be found here, as well as a link to their series of letters, available here.

The full text of HR 1858 may be found here.

*Editor's note: Reps. Davis, Schofield and Scott have provided a photo included below.

Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes a portion of DeKalb County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Health, Insurance, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.

Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes a portion of Fulton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Industry and Labor and Small Business Development committees.

Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes a portion of Clayton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.

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