House Bill Would Guarantee Federal Worker Pay During Government Shutdowns
This bill is currently sitting in several House committees where it was sent in February 2026. No action has been taken on the bill for five months, so it is not moving forward at this time. The committees must review the bill before it can move to the next step in the process.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Small businesses holding federal contracts would benefit from price adjustments covering the costs of paying their employees during shutdown periods. Currently, these businesses often bear the financial burden of shutdowns — paying workers from their own funds or losing skilled employees who seek work elsewhere. The bill requires agencies to reimburse reasonable costs regardless of what the original contract terms say about shutdown-related expenses.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Appropriations, House Administration, the Judiciary, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Rep. James Walkinshaw reintroduced the True Shutdown Fairness Act to ensure all federal workers and contractors are paid on time during any FY2026 lapse. The bill also bars agencies from initiating reductions in force during shutdowns following recent administration attempts to lay off staff.
The True Shutdown Fairness Act would keep paying federal employees during any shutdown and prevent reductions in force. It extends protections to contractors by directing agencies to reimburse companies for shutdown-related costs, including paying staff who are furloughed or have hours reduced.
As the shutdown persists, Democratic Senators introduced the True Shutdown Fairness Act to restart pay for furloughed workers and contractors. The bill aims to provide a legal, appropriated path for payments rather than relying on controversial private donations or executive workarounds.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
True Shutdown Fairness Act
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