Alford Introduces Bill to Protect Federal Employees During Government Shutdowns

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ahead of today's House Appropriations Committee hearing on government shutdowns and the federal funding process, Congressman Mark Alford introduced the Federal Employee Financial Protection Act to protect federal employees from financial harm caused by delayed pay during a lapse in appropriations.

During a government shutdown, federal employees can face missed payments and financial uncertainty through no fault of their own. The Federal Employee Financial Protection Act would provide temporary protections by preventing credit reporting agencies from reporting shutdown-related missed payments that could damage a federal employee's creditworthiness.

The legislation would also require forbearance and fee waivers on federally backed loans for impacted federal employees during periods of delayed pay.

"Federal employees should not be punished financially because of circumstances outside of their control," said Rep. Mark Alford. "When Washington fails to complete the funding process on time, hardworking federal workers should not be left dealing with lasting consequences. This legislation ensures a temporary disruption in pay does not become a long-term financial burden."

The Federal Employee Financial Protection Act would:

• Prevent adverse credit reporting tied to missed payments resulting from a shutdown-related pay delay;
• Require temporary forbearance protections for federally backed loans held by impacted federal employees; and
• Waive certain fees and penalties associated with delayed payments during a lapse in appropriations.

View the bill here.

"Federal workers show up every day to serve our country, and they should not have to worry about whether a political standoff will harm their financial future," continued Rep. Alford. "Congress has a responsibility to keep the government funded, and in the meantime, we must make sure our federal workforce is protected."

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