Senate bill · S. 2982 (119th Congress)
Federal Employees Civil Relief Act
U.S. Senate
Sponsor: Brian Schatz (U.S. Senator for Hawaii, Democratic)
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From Congress.gov and official rosters. This record was last updated Jul 30, 2026. About our data
Summary
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.
Summary from the Congressional Research Service. How we handle summaries
Where it stands
Assigned to a committee for review.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Up for a vote
- Passed one chamber
- Passed
- Enacted
Committee
Senate Committee on Finance · U.S. Senate
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Cosponsors
19
Cosponsors listed on Congress.gov, shown A to Z.
- Democratic18
- Other1
This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.
Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.
- Alex Padilla
- Amy Klobuchar
- Angela D. Alsobrooks
- Bernard Sanders
- Catherine Cortez Masto
- Charles E. Schumer
- Chris Van Hollen
- Cory A. Booker
- Elizabeth Warren
- Jeff Merkley
- Kirsten E. Gillibrand
- Mark R. Warner
Show the full list (19 names)Show fewer cosponsors
Related bills
As identified by Congress.gov.
Full history
- Oct 7, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in U.S. Senate
U.S. Senate
- Oct 7, 2025
Referred to committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Oct 7, 2025
Referred to committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Oct 7, 2025
Referred to committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Read the record
- Read on Congress.gov (opens in a new tab) The official record on Congress.gov.