H.R. 1988: Pay Federal Workers and Servicemembers Act

This bill, known as the Pay Federal Workers and Servicemembers Act, aims to amend federal law regarding unemployment compensation during government shutdowns. The key points of the bill are as follows:

Eligibility for Unemployment Compensation

The bill provides that certain federal employees and members of the armed forces who are not being paid due to a government shutdown but are considered "excepted" from furlough are eligible for unemployment benefits. This means:

• During any lapse in government funding starting on or after March 14, 2025, these federal employees will be treated as if they have been completely separated from federal service.
• These employees will be eligible for unemployment compensation with no waiting period for benefits to begin.

Definition of Covered Employees

The bill defines "covered employees" as federal personnel who have been excepted from furlough. This includes:

• Members of the Armed Forces or the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
• Federal civilian employees who are classified as excepted employees or are performing emergency work, per the definitions provided by the Office of Personnel Management.

Implementation Timeline

The changes proposed in the bill would come into effect for any weeks of unemployment starting on or after March 14, 2025.

Clerical Amendment

The bill also includes a clerical amendment to update the table of sections within the relevant law to reflect this new eligibility for unemployment compensation.

Summary

In simple terms, this legislation seeks to ensure that federal workers and servicemembers who are required to work during a government shutdown but are not being paid will have access to unemployment benefits as if they had lost their jobs, with immediate eligibility starting from a specified date.

Relevant Companies

None found.