Shutdown Fairness Act

The "Shutdown Fairness Act" is designed to ensure that excepted federal employees and their supporting contractors receive timely pay and allowances during periods of government shutdowns. Starting in fiscal year 2026, this bill automatically appropriates necessary funds from the Treasury for agencies to compensate these critical personnel who are required to perform work when interim or full-year appropriations are not in effect. The legislation defines "excepted employee" to include those performing essential or emergency work, as well as contractors providing support to such employees. These appropriations remain available until either full-year or continuing appropriations for the agency are enacted into law, at which point any expenditures made under this act will be charged to the subsequent regular appropriation bill.