Bill > HR5572

This bill, known as the "Help FEDS Act", amends the Social Security Act to require states to provide unemployment compensation to federal employees during a government shutdown (referred to as a "lapse in appropriations") in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Specifically, the bill mandates that states allow "excepted federal employees" (those performing essential emergency work but not receiving pay during the shutdown) to apply for and receive unemployment benefits. If these employees later receive back pay, they must repay the unemployment compensation to the state. The federal government will fully reimburse states for 100% of the unemployment benefits paid to these workers, plus any additional administrative expenses. The bill defines an "excepted federal employee" as a worker performing essential duties during a shutdown who is not being paid due to the lapse in appropriations. States must treat any unreturned unemployment compensation as an overpayment and recover those funds through their standard unemployment compensation processes, with the recovered money deposited into the state's unemployment fund.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5572/all-info