Pay Workers What They’ve Earned Act

The bill creates a system to reimburse federal employees, contractors, and state governments for expenses incurred during a government shutdown. It defines a covered employee as any federal, District of Columbia, excepted employee, or contractor placed on unpaid leave because of a lapse in appropriations, and a shutdown cost as any direct expense, including loan or credit card fees, that results from the loss of salary during the lapse. These definitions establish the scope of individuals eligible for reimbursement. The categories of covered employees are: any employee of the United States Government or of a District of Columbia public employer furloughed as a result of a lapse in appropriations; any excepted employee who is required to perform work during such lapse; any contractor with the Federal Government (or an employee of such contractor) placed on unpaid leave as a result of such lapse. Covered employees and states must submit an application to the Secretary of the Treasury within one year of the lapse, and the Secretary will set documentation requirements. Upon approval, reimbursement will be paid from a newly created Reserve Fund for Employees Affected By Government Shutdowns , which draws from Treasury appropriations after enactment. The bill also requires states that spend federal assistance funds during a shutdown to be reimbursed within 90 days, except where other federal reimbursement applies. The Fund will provide payments for shutdown costs of covered employees during any lapse of appropriations after the enactment of the bill.