S. 3001 — Shutdown Fairness Act

This section establishes automatic appropriations, for FY2026 and any fiscal year thereafter, to pay excepted employees (i.e., agency personnel performing essential or emergency functions, as defined by the Office of Personnel Management, plus supporting contractors required to work during lapses) of any executive, legislative, or judicial branch agency during periods without interim or full-year appropriations. The funding terminates upon enactment of regular or continuing appropriations for the agency (whether or not covering employee pay), may not be obligated during continuing appropriations for such pay, and must be charged against applicable appropriations when enacted. (Thus, excepted employees receive pay during shutdowns rather than solely backpay afterward.)