True Shutdown Fairness Act
Summary
The "True Shutdown Fairness Act" aims to appropriate funds to pay federal employees, contractors, and members of the Armed Forces who are affected by the lapse in appropriations that began on October 1, 2025. It ensures that these individuals receive their standard pay, allowances, and benefits during the shutdown period. The bill also includes a provision to prevent agencies from implementing reductions in force or placing employees on administrative leave for more than 10 days during the covered lapse in appropriations.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would provide financial relief to federal employees and related personnel during government shutdowns. It would also prevent agencies from reducing their workforce or placing employees on extended administrative leave during these periods. The costs incurred would be charged to future appropriations once they are enacted.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures federal employees, contractors, and military personnel receive pay and benefits during government shutdowns.
- Prevents agencies from implementing reductions in force during shutdowns, protecting job security.
- Limits the use of administrative leave, ensuring employees are not unduly penalized.
- Provides financial stability to affected individuals and families during uncertain times.
- Retroactive effective date ensures immediate applicability to the specified lapse in appropriations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could be seen as encouraging government shutdowns by mitigating the financial consequences for employees.
- May increase the national debt if future appropriations are insufficient to cover the expenditures.
- Potential for increased government spending without corresponding increases in revenue.
- The definition of 'covered individual' could be subject to interpretation, leading to disputes over eligibility.
- May create a sense of unfairness among private-sector workers who do not receive similar protections during economic downturns.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's appropriation of funds aligns with Congress's power of the purse, as granted by Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 of the Constitution, which states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." The bill seeks to ensure that federal employees are compensated for their work, which could be argued as promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. However, the potential increase in government spending and debt could raise concerns about fiscal responsibility.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).