Shutdown Fairness Act

Guaranteed Pay for Federal Employees: The bill provides funds for standard employee compensation to covered employees during a lapse in appropriations (Section 2(b)(1)(A)). This applies regardless of whether the individual was subject to a furlough (Section s 2(j)).

Support for Contract Employees: It provides payments to agencies so they can provide standard employee compensation to covered contract employees (Section 2(b)(1)(B)).

Protection for Armed Forces and Reserve Members: The bill includes members of the Armed Forces on active duty and members of a reserve component performing active service or inactive duty training (Section 2(a)(4)(B)).

Timely Compensation during Specific Lapses: For the period between October 1, 2025, and the date of enactment, the bill requires agencies to provide compensation as soon as practicable, but no later than 7 days after enactment (Section 2(b)(2)(A)).

Restrictions on Fund Usage: The funds provided may not be used for any purpose other than providing standard employee compensation to covered employees or paying contractors to provide that compensation (Section 2(g)).

Limitations on Agency Spending: The appropriations may not be obligated by an agency during any period when continuing appropriations for those specific purposes are already in effect (Section 2(e)).

Requirement of Duties: Covered employees and covered contract employees are expected to perform their typical duties to the maximum extent practicable during a lapse in regular appropriations (Section 2(k)(1)).