Bill > HR5628

This bill aims to provide financial protection for federal employees, District of Columbia employees, federal contractors, and state workers during government shutdowns by establishing a comprehensive reimbursement mechanism. Specifically, the bill creates a "Reserve Fund for Employees Affected By Government Shutdowns" in the U.S. Treasury and defines "shutdown costs" as expenses directly resulting from a lapse in government funding, including loan and credit card expenses, fees, fines, and interest stemming from an inability to make payments due to lost salary. The bill covers employees who are furloughed, required to work without pay (excepted employees), and contractors placed on unpaid leave during a shutdown lasting 14 days or longer. Employees and states can apply to the Secretary of the Treasury for reimbursement within one year after the shutdown ends, with the Secretary determining the required documentation. For a specific shutdown beginning around October 1, 2025, employees will be paid their shutdown costs at the earliest possible date after appropriations are enacted, and states that spend their own funds to maintain assistance programs typically funded by the federal government will be reimbursed within 90 days after the shutdown ends, with some exceptions for programs already covered by existing reimbursement laws.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5628/all-info