Contact Congress about S. 3012: Shutdown Fairness Act

Federal workers, active-duty troops, and some contractors who must work during a shutdown would keep getting paid. Agencies would get automatic Treasury money until Congress passes funding for them.

Modern Action shows what the legislation would change, 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: This bill mainly affects people who must work during a shutdown even when their agency has no funding. That includes federal employees in all three branches, active-duty service members, and some contractors who support required workers. It also affects agencies because they would have to use automatic Treasury money for pay during the gap, then charge that spending to later funding from Congress.

Why this matters: Shutdowns can force some people to keep working without on-time pay. This bill would change that for required workers by keeping their normal pay and benefits flowing during the funding gap. It could reduce stress for workers and families who depend on each paycheck. It could also change shutdown politics because one major harm, missed pay for essential workers, would be smaller.

Key provisions in S. 3012

• The bill covers required shutdown workers in all three branches of the federal government. It also covers certain contractors and every active-duty Armed Forces member.
• Agencies would get automatic money from the U.S. Treasury when they lack regular or short-term funding. The money would come from Treasury funds not already set aside for something else.
• Covered workers would receive their normal pay for work done during the funding gap. That includes allowances, pay differences, benefits, and other regular payments.
• Agencies could use the automatic money only when no short-term or full-year funding is in place for the same pay costs.
• The automatic pay authority would end for an agency once Congress passes full-year or end-of-year funding for that agency.

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?

Federal workers, active-duty troops, and some contractors who must work during a shutdown would keep getting paid. Agencies would get automatic Treasury money until Congress passes funding for them.

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.

How does Modern Action help me act on S. 3012?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.