H.R. 5742 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Appropriations, Oct 10, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryKeeps Bureau of Prisons staff paid during shutdowns
When the government shuts down because Congress hasn't approved a budget, federal employees often stop getting paychecks. This bill makes sure that Bureau of Prisons staff can keep working and earning money during those shutdowns in 2026 or 2027. It doesn't cover the highest-ranking officials who need Senate approval to be appointed.
How it affects you
If you work at a federal prison, this means you'd continue receiving pay during a government shutdown instead of waiting unpaid until funding gets approved. For the general public, it helps keep prisons running with full staffing during budget gaps.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Oct 10, 2025)
Bureau of Prisons Earnings Now Act of 2025 or the BOPEN Act of 2025
This bill provides appropriations for the salaries and expenses of staff of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) during any period in which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2026 or FY2027 are not in effect (i.e., a government shutdown). The bill does not apply to any officer of the BOP who is required to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 5742
A BILL
BOPEN Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ-2) · Introduced Oct 10, 2025 · Crime and Law Enforcement · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Oct 10, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.”