Lawmakers Introduce Help FEDS Act to Protect Essential Workers in Shutdowns

September 30, 2025

Maryland's congressional delegation has introduced the Help Federal Employees During Shutdowns Act (Help FEDS Act) to provide unemployment benefits to essential federal workers who must work without pay during government shutdowns. The bipartisan legislation would amend the Social Security Act to require states to offer unemployment insurance to "excepted" federal employees, with provisions requiring repayment once back pay is received. Sponsored primarily by Maryland Democrats including Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Representative Sarah Elfreth, the bill aims to prevent financial hardship for federal workers who are compelled to continue working during funding lapses.

Who is affected

Federal employees deemed "essential" or "excepted" who must work without pay during shutdowns
Approximately 420,000 employees who worked without pay during the 2018-2019 shutdown
Federal civil servants who provide essential public services
State unemployment insurance systems that would administer the benefits
Americans who rely on services provided by these federal workers

What action is being taken

Maryland's congressional delegation is introducing the Help FEDS Act legislation
The bill is being co-sponsored by more than 20 Democrats in the House
The National Treasury Employees Union is advocating for the legislation
States would be required to provide unemployment benefits to essential workers during shutdowns if the bill passes
The federal government would reimburse states for both benefits and administrative costs

Why it matters

Essential federal workers currently must work without pay during shutdowns with no safety net
Over half of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, making missed paychecks devastating
The legislation would provide financial relief during uncertain times for workers providing critical services
The bill addresses an inequity where furloughed workers can access unemployment benefits but essential workers cannot
It provides protection against what sponsors describe as political disputes that federal workers have no control over

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer