Federal workers would keep pay during shutdowns
Placed on the calendarS. 3168Latest action
Sponsor: Ron Johnson · Senator · WI
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Shutdown Fairness Act
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
During a , this bill would keep federal workers' paychecks going on their normal schedule instead of making them wait.
50-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill requires that federal workers, certain government contractors, and military members continue to be paid on their regular payday schedule during a . For shutdowns already underway when the bill becomes law, agencies must pay workers within 7 days of passage. Once Congress passes a real funding bill, those paycheck costs are charged against it.
Who does it affect?
The bill covers all federal workers affected by a shutdown, both those required to keep working and those sent home without pay.
Why does it matter?
Without this bill, federal workers and military members may go without pay for the full length of a shutdown and receive it only after it ends. This bill changes when the money is delivered, not whether workers are ultimately owed it.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Funds from U.S. Treasury
- Restricted to payroll only
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedNov 9, 2025
- Senate committee
- Senate voteYou are here · Nov 10, 2025
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 267.