S. 2982 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Oct 7, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryProtects federal workers during budget shutdowns
When the government shuts down because Congress hasn't approved a budget, federal workers who are laid off or working without pay would get legal protections. This bill lets them ask courts to pause their bill payments—including rent, mortgages, taxes, student loans, and insurance premiums—for the duration of the shutdown. It also blocks evictions, foreclosures, and insurance cancellations during that period, and lets workers delay federal income taxes and student loan payments.
How it affects you
If you're a federal employee or contractor furloughed or told to work without pay during a shutdown, this bill would give you temporary relief from your financial obligations. Landlords, mortgage lenders, and other creditors couldn't enforce collection actions against you while the shutdown lasts. People not affected by shutdowns—most private-sector workers and self-employed people—wouldn't see direct changes.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Oct 7, 2025)
Federal Employees Civil Relief Act
This bill establishes a framework to temporarily suspend certain judicial and administrative proceedings against a federal employee or contractor during a shutdown.
Under the bill, a shutdown is a period in which (1) there is more than a 24-hour lapse in appropriations for any federal agency or department because a regular appropriations bill or a continuing resolution has not been enacted, or (2) the debt of the federal government is greater than the statutory limit.
A federal worker (i.e., an employee of a government agency or contractor) who is furloughed or required to work without pay during a shutdown may apply to a court for a temporary stay, postponement, or suspension with respect to any payment of rent, mortgage, tax, fine, penalty, insurance premium, student loan repayment, or other civil obligation or liability that the worker owes or would owe during the duration of the shutdown.
The bill includes related provisions that restrict evictions, foreclosures, the enforcement of liens, and the termination of insurance policies during a shutdown. It also provides for the deferral of federal income taxes and student loan payments during a shutdown.
The Department of Justice may commence a civil action against any person who engages in (1) a pattern or practice of violating the requirements of this bill, or (2) a violation that raises an issue of significant public importance. A person aggrieved by a violation of this bill's requirements may also bring a private right of action.
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 SessionS. 2982
A BILL
Federal Employees Civil Relief Act
Sponsor: Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) · Introduced Oct 7, 2025 · Government Operations and Politics · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Oct 7, 2025: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.”
Sections
Sections · 13
- Sec. 1Short titleNo change
- Sec. 2PurposeNo change
- Sec. 3DefinitionsNo change
- Sec. 4JurisdictionNo change
- Sec. 5Anticipatory reliefNo change
- Sec. 6EvictionsNo change
- Sec. 7Mortgage protection and foreclosuresNo change
- Sec. 8LiensNo change
- Sec. 9Student loansNo change
- Sec. 10Income taxesNo change
- Sec. 11Insurance protectionNo change
- Sec. 12Protection of rightsNo change
- Sec. 13EnforcementNo change