Bill > HR7137

This bill, titled the "Shutdown Fairness Act," aims to ensure that federal employees, contract employees, and members of the Armed Forces receive their pay and allowances even during a lapse in appropriations, which is a period when Congress has not passed necessary funding bills for government operations. It defines "agency" broadly to include executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as the District of Columbia. A "covered contractor" is defined as a contractor providing support to federal employees and required to work during a funding lapse, with agency head approval. "Covered employees" include all agency employees, regardless of whether they were deemed essential or furloughed, and members of the Armed Forces on active duty or performing service during a lapse, provided they were employed or enlisted before the lapse began. A "lapse in regular appropriations" is simply a period without funding. The bill appropriates necessary funds for fiscal year 2026 and beyond to agencies to cover "standard employee compensation" (basic pay, allowances, benefits, etc.) for covered employees and payments to covered contractors for work performed during a lapse. Agencies are required to pay covered employees as soon as practicable, but no later than seven days after the bill's enactment if a lapse is ongoing, and on regular pay dates for future lapses. These funds are available until regular appropriations are enacted and can only be used for their intended purpose, with expenditures later charged to future appropriations. The bill also clarifies that covered employees and contractors should continue their typical duties during a lapse and does not authorize any obligations or expenditures not explicitly permitted by the Act.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7137/all-info