Bill > S3168

This bill, called the "Shutdown Fairness Act", provides funding and pay guarantees for federal employees, contract workers, and military personnel during government funding lapses (also known as government shutdowns). The bill ensures that covered employees and contractors will receive their standard compensation during a period when regular government appropriations are not in effect, regardless of whether they are working or furloughed. The legislation defines key terms like "covered employee" and "covered contract employee" and specifies that only individuals who were employed or had accepted employment before the funding lapse began are eligible. The bill appropriates necessary funds from the Treasury to agency heads to maintain standard pay and benefits, with the requirement that these funds can only be used for employee compensation and cannot be transferred or reprogrammed for other purposes. Importantly, the bill applies retroactively to October 1, 2025, and requires agencies to pay standard compensation as soon as practicable, but no later than 7 days after the bill's enactment, for the period between October 1, 2025, and the bill's enactment date. The legislation aims to provide financial stability and fairness for government workers during potential future government shutdowns by ensuring they continue to receive their regular compensation.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3168/all-info