H.R. 1597: Compassion for Vulnerable and Struggling Workers Act (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, titled the **Compassion for Vulnerable and Struggling Workers Act**, aims to provide certain former civil service employees who were wrongfully fired with the ability to enroll in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) or to continue their health benefits coverage. Here’s a breakdown of its main provisions:

Eligibility to Enroll in FEHBP

Under this bill, individuals who were involuntarily removed from their civil service positions within a specific timeframe may qualify for health benefits. The timeframe for this eligibility is from January 20, 2025, to January 1, 2026.

To be eligible, individuals must meet one of the following conditions:

Removed without cause
Had a recent performance review that was at least rated as fully successful (or equivalent)
Were pregnant at the time of their removal
Were diagnosed with cancer during the five years preceding their removal

Health Benefit Contributions

The contributions for these health benefits will be funded through savings derived from the operations of the Department of Government Efficiency, as established by an executive order issued on January 20, 2025. This means that the government will use funds saved by enhancing efficiency within government operations to cover the costs associated with the health benefits for eligible individuals.

Implications and Purpose

The intent behind this legislation is to provide support for individuals who have faced unfair or wrongful termination from their jobs in civil service, especially those dealing with challenging circumstances such as serious health issues or pregnancy. By allowing them to access health benefits, the bill aims to ensure that these individuals are not left without necessary medical coverage during a vulnerable time in their lives.