Shutdown Fairness Act
Shutdown Fairness Act
Plain Language Summary
# Shutdown Fairness Act Summary **What it would do:** This bill would require the federal government to pay certain employees during government shutdowns, rather than making them wait until the shutdown ends. Currently, some federal workers deemed "excepted employees"—those whose jobs are considered essential and must continue during a shutdown—are required to keep working but don't receive paychecks until the government resumes normal operations. This bill would provide immediate funding to pay these workers during the shutdown period. The bill also expands the definition of who qualifies for this pay to include some contractors who support federal employees. **Who it affects:** The primary beneficiaries would be federal employees classified as "excepted" workers, such as those in national security, law enforcement, air traffic control, and other critical functions.
These employees currently face financial hardship when shutdowns occur, as they work without pay for days or weeks. The bill also covers certain contractors who support these essential operations. **Current status:** The bill (S. 3001) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Shutdown Fairness ActThis bill provides appropriations to pay federal employees who work during a government shutdown.Specifically, the bill provides appropriations for federal agencies to provide pay and allowances to excepted employees who are required to work during any period in which interim or full-year appropriations are not in effect for a fiscal year (i.e., a government shutdown). Under current law, excepted employees are required to work during a government shutdown and are not paid until the government shutdown is over. This bill provides appropriations to pay excepted employees during a government shutdown. The bill also specifies that the term excepted employee includes certain contractors who support federal employees during a government shutdown. A federal agency may not use the funds provided by this bill during any period in which continuing appropriations are in effect for the purpose of paying excepted employees of the agency.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.