BGOV Bill Analysis: S. 3012, Federal Employee Shutdown Pay

Some federal employees who are required to work during a government shutdown would receive immediate pay and benefits under S. 3012.

The bill would apply to “excepted” workers or those who aren’t furloughed during a lapse in appropriations if their work involves protecting human life or property, as determined by the head of their agency. Those employees, such as active-duty military personnel and air traffic controllers, typically aren’t paid until the shutdown ends.

The bill comes as the ongoing lapse in fiscal 2026 appropriations makes history as the longest government shutdown to affect all federal agencies. The shutdown in ...