Contact Congress about S. 3012: Shutdown Fairness Act

S. 3012 would automatically fund pay and benefits for certain federal workers, service members, and some contractors who must work during a shutdown. It only applies when no continuing or full-year funding is in place, and the temporary spending is later charged to the agency’s eventual appropriation.

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 stalled. The latest recorded action: Upon reconsideration, cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 43. Record Vote Number: 609.

Latest action on S. 3012: Upon reconsideration, cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 43. Record Vote Number: 609.

Who this affects: The bill mainly affects federal workers who must stay on the job during a shutdown, along with their families and the agencies that employ them. It also reaches active-duty military members, certain contractors who support shutdown operations, and offices in all three branches of government, not just executive agencies.

Why this matters: During shutdowns, some federal workers and military members still have to report to work even though Congress has not passed funding, and delayed pay can create immediate financial strain. This bill tries to fix that for covered workers by keeping their regular compensation flowing on time. It matters most for people tied to defense, law enforcement, public safety, and other essential services, although the bill does not say whether it would change how often shutdowns happen or what it would mean for overall federal spending over time.

Key provisions in S. 3012

• Covers excepted employees across all three branches of the federal government, including certain contractors and all active-duty service members.
• Automatically provides money from Treasury funds not otherwise appropriated to pay excepted employees during any period when an agency has no temporary or full-year funding.
• Pays normal wages, allowances, pay differentials, benefits, and other regular payments for work done during a funding lapse.
• The automatic funding is available only during gaps when there is no continuing appropriation, meaning temporary funding, or full-year appropriation in effect for those pay purposes.
• Once Congress passes full-year funding or end-of-year continuing funding for an agency, this bill’s authority for that agency stops.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 3012

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. 3012

What is S. 3012?

S. 3012 would automatically fund pay and benefits for certain federal workers, service members, and some contractors who must work during a shutdown. It only applies when no continuing or full-year funding is in place, and the temporary spending is later charged to the agency’s eventual appropriation.

How do I support or oppose S. 3012?

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. 3012?

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. 3012 before I act?

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