Federal Employees Civil Relief Act
Federal Employees Civil Relief Act
Plain Language Summary
# Federal Employees Civil Relief Act Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would provide temporary legal protection for federal employees and contractors during government shutdowns. If passed, workers who are furloughed (sent home without pay) or required to work without compensation could ask a court to temporarily pause certain financial obligations—such as rent, mortgage, taxes, loan payments, and insurance premiums—for the duration of the shutdown. 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 & Key Protections** The bill directly benefits federal workers who lose income during shutdowns.
It also includes provisions protecting these workers from eviction during this period. Essentially, it gives workers temporary relief from their financial responsibilities while they're not being paid, preventing them from falling behind on bills and facing penalties during circumstances beyond their control. **Current Status** The bill (S. 2982) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
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
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.