Help Federal Employees During Shutdowns Act; Help FEDS Act
Summary
The Help Federal Employees During Shutdowns Act (Help FEDS Act) aims to amend Section 303 of the Social Security Act. It mandates states to provide unemployment compensation to federal employees who are excepted and performing emergency work during government shutdowns in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill also ensures that if these employees receive back pay, they must repay the unemployment compensation to the state, which will then be deposited into the state's unemployment fund.
Expected Effects
This act would provide a financial safety net for federal employees deemed essential during government shutdowns. It ensures they receive unemployment benefits while performing their duties. The federal government would reimburse states for the unemployment compensation paid and any associated administrative costs.
Potential Benefits
- Provides financial relief to federal employees during shutdowns.
- Ensures continued essential services during lapses in appropriations.
- Reimburses states for unemployment compensation costs.
- Reduces the financial burden on federal employees who are required to work during shutdowns.
- May improve morale and productivity of federal employees during shutdowns.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased strain on the Unemployment Trust Fund.
- Administrative burden on states to manage and track compensation and repayments.
- Possible delays in receiving compensation due to state-level processing.
- Risk of errors in determining eligibility and repayment obligations.
- Could incentivize shutdowns if the financial impact on employees is lessened.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it seeks to provide for the well-being of federal employees during shutdowns. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1, grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes to provide for the general welfare of the United States. The bill's provisions for unemployment compensation and federal reimbursement fall under this power.
However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. This bill mandates certain actions by the states regarding unemployment compensation, which could be seen as an infringement on state autonomy. The alignment depends on the interpretation of the necessary and proper clause and the extent to which the federal government can mandate state actions related to federal programs.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).