Federal Employees Civil Relief Act
Federal Employees Civil Relief Act
Plain Language Summary
# Federal Employees Civil Relief Act (HR 5708) Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would protect federal workers financially during government shutdowns by allowing them to pause certain financial obligations. If a federal employee or contractor is furloughed (sent home without pay) or forced to work without compensation during a shutdown, they could ask a court to temporarily suspend their payments for rent, mortgages, taxes, loans, insurance premiums, and other debts. The bill defines a shutdown as either a lapse in funding lasting more than 24 hours or when the national debt exceeds the legal limit. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** Federal employees and government contractors would be the primary beneficiaries.
The bill specifically includes protections against eviction during shutdowns, recognizing that workers who aren't paid can struggle to meet basic obligations. The temporary suspension would only last for the duration of the shutdown itself, giving workers breathing room during the period they aren't receiving paychecks. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 5708) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Federal Employees Civil Relief Act This bill establishes a framework to temporarily suspend certain judicial and administrative proceedings against a federal employee or contractor during a shutdown. Under the bill, a shutdown is a period in which (1) there is more than a 24-hour lapse in appropriations for any federal agency or department because a regular appropriations bill or a continuing resolution has not been enacted, or (2) the debt of the federal government is greater than the statutory limit. A federal worker (i.e., an employee of a government agency or contractor) who is furloughed or required to work without pay during a shutdown may apply to a court for a temporary stay, postponement, or suspension with respect to any payment of rent, mortgage, tax, fine, penalty, insurance premium, student loan repayment, or other civil obligation or liability that the worker owes or would owe during the duration of the shutdown. The bill includes related provisions that restrict evictions, foreclosures, the enforcement of liens, and the termination of insurance policies during a shutdown. It also provides for the deferral of federal income taxes and student loan payments during a shutdown. The Department of Justice may commence a civil action against any person who engages in (1) a pattern or practice of violating the requirements of this bill, or (2) a violation that raises an issue of significant public importance. A person aggrieved by a violation of this bill's requirements may also bring a private right of action.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, Ways and Means, the Judiciary, Education and Workforce, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.