Bill > S3001

This bill, known as the "Shutdown Fairness Act," establishes a mechanism to provide pay and allowances for certain federal employees during government funding lapses, or "shutdowns." The bill defines "excepted employees" as workers deemed essential by their agency heads who must continue working during a funding gap, including both government employees and supporting contractors. For fiscal year 2026 and beyond, the bill appropriates necessary funds from the U.S. Treasury to pay these excepted employees during periods when interim or full-year agency appropriations are not in effect. The appropriations remain available until either regular funding is enacted for the agency or until continuing appropriations are passed without specific funding for these employees. Importantly, the bill stipulates that funds provided during a shutdown cannot be obligated during periods when continuing appropriations are in place, and any expenditures made under this provision will ultimately be charged to the agency's regular annual appropriation once a funding bill is passed. This legislation aims to ensure that essential workers are compensated during government funding interruptions and provide a standardized approach to managing such situations.