Go for it...Also, since we are doing things by fiat these days, the House should not fund ANY back pay either. NONE. (I know, wishful thinking considering the drunk is running thigs over there)
I think they will ALWAYS fund the back-pay when the Goobermint shuts down. Mainly, because if the employees are not in Pay Status or using leave, etc they are not in Duty Status either, this affects a number of other factors up to their SCD (Service Comp Date).
It might cost more in time and effort to process all those changes than just give the back-pay. Not to mention a mountain of union grievances, etc.
Goobermint always seek the path of least-resistance. They will get paid.