Bills · S 3012
INTRODUCED· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3012Government employee pay, benefits, personnel managementAppropriations
Shutdown Fairness Act
INTRO OCT 15· LAST ACTION NOV 7
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
13
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 1 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it directly addresses the financial uncertainty and hardship faced by essential federal workers, contractors, and military personnel during government shutdowns. Currently, while these individuals are often eventually paid retroactively, they frequently have to work for weeks or even months without knowing when their next paycheck will arrive, making it difficult to pay bills, rent, or buy groceries.
If this bill becomes law, these critical individuals would be guaranteed continuous pay for their essential work during a shutdown, removing a major source of stress and potentially improving morale and retention in crucial government functions. If it doesn't become law, these workers will continue to face the same financial precarity and uncertainty during future government shutdowns, potentially impacting their ability to focus on their vital duties.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Automatically sets aside funds to pay 'excepted employees' during government shutdowns for work performed.
Ensures essential workers receive their pay on time during funding gaps, alleviating financial stress.
PROVISION 02
Defines 'excepted employee' to include federal workers performing emergency duties, certain contractors supporting them, and active-duty military members.
Expands pay protection to a broader group of individuals performing critical work during shutdowns.
PROVISION 03
The automatic funding mechanism applies for fiscal year 2026 and every year thereafter.
Establishes a permanent solution for timely pay during future government shutdowns.
PROVISION 04
The automatic funding terminates once Congress passes either a full-year or continuing appropriation bill for the agency.
Ensures the automatic funding is only temporary, ceasing once regular budgetary processes are completed.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 13
R· Wisconsin
YRS IN OFFICE
15
BILLS LED
22
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 13 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
10 EVENTSNOV 7
Motion to proceed to consideration of the motion to reconsider the vote by which cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 3012 was not invoked (Record Vote No. 585) agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. (CR S7996)
NOV 7
Motion by Senator Thune to reconsider the vote by which cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 3012 was not invoked (Record Vote No. 585) agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. (CR S7996)
NOV 7
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.
OCT 23
Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 54 - 45. Record Vote Number: 585. (CR S7720)
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3012
Congress119th
StatusIntroduced
IntroducedOct 15, 2025
Last actionNov 7, 2025
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INTRODUCED· 119TH CONGRESS · SENATE · INTRODUCED OCT 15, 2025
Senate BillS 3012Government employee pay, benefits, personnel managementAppropriations
Shutdown Fairness Act
INTRODUCED OCT 15, 2025· LAST ACTION NOV 7, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
13
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
