Shutdown Fairness Act

This bill would set aside federal money to keep paying federal employees, certain contract workers, and members of the Armed Forces during any government shutdown, starting in fiscal year 2026 and continuing in later years. Workers would be paid their regular pay and benefits whether or not they were furloughed. For the shutdown that began October 1, 2025, agencies would have to pay covered employees within 7 days after the bill becomes law; in future shutdowns, pay would arrive on regular pay dates. The money could be used only for this pay and would stop once regular or continuing funding for an agency is passed. The bill would take effect as if passed on September 30, 2025.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Ron Johnson Republican sponsor
• 8 cosponsors