Shutdown Fairness Act
A bill to appropriate funds for pay and allowances of excepted Federal employees for periods of work performed during a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes.
The Shutdown Fairness Act, SB3012, proposes to ensure that certain federal employees are paid during a government shutdown. These employees, who are required to work even when funding is temporarily unavailable, would receive compensation for their work during such periods. The bill aims to provide financial stability to these individuals who are often essential for maintaining critical government functions.
This bill would affect federal employees who are designated as "excepted," meaning they must continue working during a shutdown. These workers include those in national security, public health, and other essential services. The bill ensures that these employees are not left without pay due to the interruption in government funding.
As of October 15, 2025, the bill has been introduced in the Senate and is currently under consideration. Recent actions include motions to proceed and reconsider votes on cloture, which determines whether the bill can advance for further debate and votes. While the bill has faced some challenges, efforts to move it forward continue, reflecting ongoing discussions about the fairness of employee compensation during government shutdowns.
