Contact Congress about S. 3168: Shutdown Fairness Act

Federal workers, some contractor workers, and service members would keep getting normal pay during a shutdown. The bill would create automatic funding so paychecks do not wait for Congress to pass a new funding bill.

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 waiting for floor action. The latest recorded action: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 267.

Latest action on S. 3168: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 267.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people whose pay depends on federal funding. Federal workers, some contractor workers, active-duty military members, and certain reservists would be most directly affected. Agencies and contractors would also have to manage the payments and later accounting. Communities that rely on these paychecks could feel less strain during a shutdown, but the bill does not cover every private worker hurt by a shutdown.

Why this matters: Shutdowns can delay pay for people who still must work or are ready to work. This bill would make pay more predictable for many federal workers, contractor workers, and service members. It could reduce financial stress for families and help agencies keep key work going. The tradeoff is that it creates automatic spending, and the total cost would depend on future shutdowns.

Key provisions in S. 3168

• The bill defines "agency" broadly. It includes the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, plus parts of the District of Columbia public employer.
• The bill covers several groups during a funding gap. They include federal workers, certain individual contractors, contractor employees who support covered federal staff, active-duty service members, and certain reservists on duty or in training.
• Covered workers would get normal pay and benefits during shutdowns starting in fiscal year 2026. This includes regular pay, allowances, pay differences, benefits, and other routine payments.
• The Treasury would provide automatic funding when an agency has no regular funding. The bill provides "such sums as are necessary," meaning as much money as needed.
• Agencies would have to make catch-up payments for covered work from October 1, 2025, until the bill becomes law. They must pay as soon as they can and within seven days, even if normal pay dates or furlough rules would say otherwise.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 3168

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. 3168

What is S. 3168?

Federal workers, some contractor workers, and service members would keep getting normal pay during a shutdown. The bill would create automatic funding so paychecks do not wait for Congress to pass a new funding bill.

How do I support or oppose S. 3168?

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. 3168?

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. 3168 before I act?

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