Bill > S2948

This bill, known as the Help FEDS Act, aims to provide unemployment compensation benefits to federal employees during government shutdowns. Specifically, the bill requires states to allow "excepted federal employees" (those performing essential emergency work during a funding lapse) to apply for and receive unemployment compensation for weeks when they are working without pay during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. If these employees later receive back pay under existing federal law, they must repay the unemployment compensation to the state. The U.S. Treasury will fully reimburse states for 100% of the unemployment compensation paid to these employees, plus any additional administrative expenses. The bill defines an "excepted federal employee" as a worker performing essential functions during a government shutdown who is not being paid due to the funding lapse. By providing this financial support, the bill seeks to help federal workers maintain financial stability during periods of government funding interruptions, ensuring that critical government services can continue to be performed while offering economic protection to the employees providing those services.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2948/all-info