Contact Congress about S. 3165: True Shutdown Fairness Act

Federal workers, service members, and some contract workers would get normal pay and benefits for the shutdown that began October 1, 2025. Contractors could recover some labor costs. Agencies could not use the shutdown to make permanent staff cuts.

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True Shutdown Fairness Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Latest action on S. 3165: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people whose pay or work was tied to the shutdown that began on October 1, 2025. Federal employees, service members, some D.C. public workers, and some contract workers would get the most direct help. Federal agencies and contractors would also have new duties for pay, contract costs, leave, and staffing limits.

Why this matters: Shutdowns can make workers miss paychecks even when they still have bills to pay. This bill would reduce that harm for the specific shutdown that began October 1, 2025. It would also make it harder for agencies to use that period for permanent staff cuts. The cost to the government would depend on how long the shutdown lasts, how many workers and contracts qualify, and how agencies apply the rules.

Key provisions in S. 3165

• Covered workers would get normal pay for the full shutdown period that began October 1, 2025. That includes standard pay, allowances, pay add-ons, benefits, and other regular payments.
• The bill covers workers across all three branches of the federal government. It also covers some D.C. public workers, active-duty service members, reservists on duty or training, and qualifying contract workers whose work stopped or shrank because of the shutdown.
• The bill would use Treasury money in fiscal year 2026 to make these payments. It does not set a fixed dollar amount; it provides whatever money is needed.
• Agencies would have to raise or adjust certain contract prices so contractors can recover shutdown labor costs. Contractors must show reasonable, real costs for paying workers or restoring paid leave, even if the contract would not normally cover those costs.
• The covered shutdown period ends when Congress passes regular funding or a temporary funding bill, also called a continuing resolution. That funding bill may include or leave out the purposes covered by this bill.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 3165

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. 3165

What is S. 3165?

Federal workers, service members, and some contract workers would get normal pay and benefits for the shutdown that began October 1, 2025. Contractors could recover some labor costs. Agencies could not use the shutdown to make permanent staff cuts.

How do I support or oppose S. 3165?

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. 3165?

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. 3165?

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