Some GOP officials say Trump administration's federal workers buyout program is illegal

Republican officials have been quietly pointing out that the Trump administration's so-called buyout program is illegal, but they doubt that Congress will push back, sources told CBS News.  Q: The current funding bill for the federal government expires on March 14. Will I still receive full pay and benefits if the money runs out? 

Many federal workers saw an email first thing Monday morning when they arrived at their desks that offered more details of the deferred resignations program.  A: Any government shutdown could potentially affect an employee's pay regardless of whether he or she has accepted the deferred resignation offer. Moreover, if you accept the deferred resignation offer, you would still be entitled to backpay under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act.

Some lawmakers have noted the offer of pay through Sept. 30 violates the Anti-Deficiency Act, a law that prevents the government from promising or spending money in excess of what Congress has made available. Congress has funded the government only through mid-March, not through the end of the fiscal year at the end of September.