Bill > S4478

This bill, titled the Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026, aims to safeguard the credit of federal employees during government shutdowns by amending the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Specifically, it prohibits consumer reporting agencies, which are companies that collect and sell consumer credit information, from reporting any negative information related to the debts of federal workers during a "covered period." A "covered individual" is defined as a U.S. or District of Columbia government employee whose agency experiences a lapse in appropriations, meaning funding runs out. The "covered period" begins after a lapse in appropriations lasting more than 24 hours and concludes 30 days after funding is restored. During this time, if a covered individual requests it, consumer reporting agencies must remove such negative information from their credit reports and prevent its disclosure. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget will be responsible for notifying these agencies about the start and end of any funding lapses affecting federal workers. This provision will take effect for covered periods beginning on or after February 1, 2026.