S. 3012 · 119th Congress · Senate
Shutdown Fairness Act
Introduced 2025-10-15 · Sponsored by Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI] (R-WI) · Last updated 2026-03-31
Last action (2025-11-07): Upon reconsideration, cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 43. Record Vote Number: 609.
Summary
Federal employees who are required to keep working during a government shutdown currently do so without getting paid on time. This bill would guarantee those workers their normal paychecks, benefits, and allowances throughout the shutdown instead of forcing them to wait until it ends. It covers all "excepted" employees, meaning the ones deemed essential enough that they cannot be furloughed.
The Good
Ensures essential workers are paid during shutdowns
Federal employees required to work during shutdowns currently do so without guaranteed timely pay. This bill would appropriate funds to pay these workers at standard rates during any lapse in appropriations.
Addresses a basic fairness issue
Workers who keep airports safe, borders secure, and prisons staffed during shutdowns should not face financial hardship because Congress cannot pass a budget. This principle has broad bipartisan support.
The Bad
Reduces the political cost of shutdowns
If essential workers are paid anyway, shutdowns become less visibly harmful, reducing public pressure on Congress to resolve budget disputes quickly. This could make shutdowns longer and more frequent.
Does not address furloughed workers or contractors
The bill covers workers required to work during shutdowns but not those furloughed at home or the thousands of federal contractors who historically receive no back pay at all after shutdowns end.
Vote Record
Senate, 2025-11-07
Cloture on Motion to Proceed
Passed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #609
Senate vote by state
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Senate, 2025-10-23
Cloture Motion
Passed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #585
Senate vote by state
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