SHUTDOWN FAIRNESS ACT: ENSURING MILITARY PAY DURING SHUTDOWNS

When the government shuts down, military families prepare for missed paychecks, delayed benefits, and stress that affects every base community. The Shutdown Fairness Act aims to change this. Introduced by Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) in October 2025, the bill would ensure active-duty service members, “excepted” federal employees, and some contractors continue receiving pay during a funding lapse.

For military families, this means greater financial security: if the government shuts down, your pay is more likely to arrive on time.

Shutdown Fairness Act: Military Pay Protections

The Shutdown Fairness Act (S. 3012) provides temporary Treasury funding for pay and benefits when regular appropriations lapse. Troops, essential federal workers, and certain contractors supporting national security, law enforcement, or public safety would continue receiving pay during a government shutdown.

When Congress passes a budget or resolution, the funds are reimbursed from new appropriations. The legislation also applies retroactively to September 30, 2025, to cover the current shutdown and sets a rule for future ones.

Simply put, if you have to keep working during a shutdown, you will finally get paid on time.

Who’s Covered and Who’s Not?

The bill covers:

• Active-duty service members across all branches.
• “Excepted employees”— federal workers deemed essential to national security or safety who must report for duty even when funding lapses.
• Certain contractors supporting excepted work, as determined by their agency.

It does not cover:

• Furloughed workers
• Those told to stay home during the shutdown.

They’d still have to wait for Congress to approve back pay after the government reopens.

This distinction has sparked debate on Capitol Hill, with critics arguing that the bill helps those working but leaves furloughed families in financial limbo.

Impact on Military Base Communities

For active-duty members, the Shutdown Fairness Act would prevent interruptions in pay, housing allowances, and entitlements. For civilian employees and contractors on base, it could ensure that mission-critical work is paid.

Still, the act’s protection focuses on those required to work during a shutdown. If you are furloughed, such as a civilian spouse with a non-excepted agency, pay may still be delayed, creating continued stress for families in this category.

Still, this bill is progress. It helps keep readiness and morale high during a funding crisis. As one base finance officer put it, "The mission doesn’t stop, and bills don’t wait."

Congressional Status of Shutdown Fairness Act

As of October 23, 2025, the Shutdown Fairness Act (S. 3012) is on the Senate calendar, awaiting action. Introduced by Sen. Ron Johnson and cosponsored by several Republicans, the House version, led by Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) match the Senate text.

The bill has not yet been passed in the Senate or the House. Some Senate Democrats have objected, highlighting that it excludes furloughed workers and does not resolve government shutdowns. Nonetheless, bipartisan support appears to be growing amid growing concerns about military pay and morale.

If passed, it would take effect immediately and cover future fiscal years, making it a permanent safeguard for essential staff.

What Military Families Can Do Now

• Confirm your or your spouse's status as 'excepted' or 'furloughed' if you're a federal employee.
• Keep an emergency fund and know which expenses you can defer if pay is delayed, even while this bill is pending.
• Stay updated on pay and benefits changes through official Defense Department sources.
• Use support services such as Military OneSource, family centers, and nonprofit partners for financial assistance if needed.

Being prepared and aware can make uncertainty less stressful.

Key Voices on the Bill

Senator Ron Johnson calls the legislation a “permanent fix that ensures excepted workers and our troops are paid during a shutdown.” Supporters frame it as fairness for those ordered to serve through a crisis.

Opponents, like Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), argue that it “lets the president decide who he wants to pay,” contending that Congress should focus on reopening the government rather than carving out partial relief.

Both sides agree on one point: no one should be forced to work without pay.

Effects on Military Personnel and Families

For military families, the Shutdown Fairness Act is designed to guarantee pay remains uninterrupted during a government shutdown. It cannot prevent shutdowns, but it would keep your income stable during them.

If you serve, support, or stand by someone who does, this is more than just a policy. It’s a promise that serving your country shouldn’t mean losing your financial stability.

Suggested reads:

• Capitol Courage: How Military Spouses are Advocating For Their Families
• “We've Never Seen Anything Like This": Military Families Flood Food Pantries as Shutdown Triggers 300% Surge
• Will I Get Paid? Troops' Survival Guide to the Government Shutdown 2025: Pay, PCS, TRICARE & More