Shutdown Fairness Act

Consistent Pay for Federal Employees: The bill ensures that "covered employees"—which includes those who were excepted, performing emergency work, or subject to furlough—receive "standard employee compensation" during a lapse in appropriations (Section 2(a)(3) and 2(b)(1)(A)).

Protection for Military Personnel: Members of the Armed Forces on active duty, as well as reserve components performing service or training during a lapse, are included as covered employees to receive compensation (Section 2(a)(3)(B)).

Support for Contract Workers: The Act provides for payments to "covered contractors" who are required to perform work for an agency during a lapse in regular appropriations (Section 2(b)(1)(B)).

Timely Pay During Ongoing Shutdowns: If a lapse in appropriations is already happening when the Act is passed, the head of the agency must provide compensation as soon as practicable, but no later than 7 days after enactment (Section 2(b)(2)(A)).

No New Agency Obligations: The bill specifies that it does not require an agency to take any action that they are not otherwise required to take under a contract with a covered contractor during non-lapse periods (Section 2(j)(2)).

Restriction on Agency Spending: The Act does not authorize agencies or employees to incur any obligations or expenditures that are not explicitly authorized by this specific Act (Section 2(k)(2)).