Contact Congress about S. 3001: Shutdown Fairness Act

Federal workers who must work during a shutdown would keep getting paid on time. Some contract workers who must support them would be covered too. The automatic funding would start in fiscal year 2026 and later years.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Shutdown Fairness Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Latest action on S. 3001: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects federal workers who must stay on the job during a shutdown. It also affects some contractors who support those workers and must keep working. Federal agencies would get automatic money for this pay, then charge it to their regular budgets later. Furloughed workers and contractors who are not required to work would not get this automatic pay under the bill.

Why this matters: Shutdowns can force some people to work without knowing when their next paycheck will arrive. This bill would reduce that problem for required federal workers and some contractors. It could help keep needed services staffed during a shutdown. The total cost would depend on how long shutdowns last and how many workers agencies require to stay on the job.

Key provisions in S. 3001

• The bill applies to agencies in all three parts of the federal government: the executive branch, Congress, and the courts.
• It covers “excepted employees.” These are federal workers who must keep working during a shutdown under Office of Personnel Management rules and agency head decisions.
• It also covers some contractors. They must support excepted employees and be required to work during the shutdown.
• The Treasury would provide as much money as needed during a funding gap. This is automatic funding outside the normal yearly funding bill.
• The authority starts in fiscal year 2026 and continues in later fiscal years.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 3001

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 3001

What is S. 3001?

Federal workers who must work during a shutdown would keep getting paid on time. Some contract workers who must support them would be covered too. The automatic funding would start in fiscal year 2026 and later years.

How do I support or oppose S. 3001?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 3001?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain S. 3001 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.