Boyle & Randall Introduce Bill to Protect Federal Workers from Financial Hardship During Government Shutdowns

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, and Congresswoman Emily Randall (WA-06) introduced the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act, legislation to protect federal employees and contractors from financial harm during government shutdowns or breaches of the federal debt limit. Senator Brian Schatz (HI) has introduced a companion bill in the Senate.

The bill suspends certain civil liabilities-such as rent, mortgage payments, student loans, and tax obligations-for federal workers who are furloughed or required to work without pay during a lapse in appropriations. It also safeguards workers from evictions, foreclosures, credit penalties, and loss of insurance coverage while ensuring no lasting impact on their credit or access to financial services.

"Federal workers should never face eviction, foreclosure, or financial ruin because of a lapse in government funding," said Rep. Boyle. "This bill makes clear that when the government shuts down, the people who keep it running deserve basic protections and peace of mind."

"Federal workers are the backbone of our government - they keep our communities safe, our national parks open, and essential services running,"said Rep. Randall. "They shouldn't lose their homes or their health care because of a Republican government shutdown. I'm proud to co-lead the Federal Employee Civil Relief Act because working people deserve basic protections when they're forced to work without pay or furloughed during a government shutdown through no fault of their own. This is about standing up for the folks who show up for us every single day."

The Federal Employees Civil Relief Act mirrors the long-standing protections provided to members of the military under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. It ensures that civil proceedings and financial obligations are paused for the duration of a shutdown and for 30 days afterward, preventing landlords, lenders, and creditors from taking adverse action against affected federal workers.

Under the bill:

• Evictions and foreclosures cannot proceed without a court order during a shutdown.
• Student loan and tax payments may be deferred without penalty or interest.
• Insurance policies cannot be canceled or lapse due to missed payments.
• Creditors and lenders are prohibited from taking adverse action or issuing negative credit reports against impacted workers.
• The Department of Justice is empowered to enforce violations through civil action.

The text of the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act is available here.

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