RELEASE: Gottheimer, Johnson, Mackenzie, Goodlander Introduce Bipartisan Shutdown Fairness Act to Stop Government from Cutting Off Paychecks to Military, Workers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, January 16, 2026, U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Dusty Johnson (SD-AL), Maggie Goodlander (NH-2), and Ryan Mackenzie (PA-7) announced the introduction of the Shutdown Fairness Act - bipartisan legislation to guarantee federal employees, service members, reservists, and contractors get paid in full and on time in the event of a government shutdown.

The Shutdown Fairness Act requires federal agencies to continue paying workers during a lapse in appropriations. It does not authorize any new spending; instead, it guarantees that employees receive their regular paychecks on time, rather than waiting weeks or months for backpay after a shutdown ends.

"Federal workers and service members are not political pawns - they're hardworking Americans who keep our country safe, moving, and running," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). "They shouldn't be forced to miss paychecks because Washington can't get its act together. This bill will make sure no federal worker or service member ever has to worry about putting food on the table because of Congress's dysfunction."

"Hardworking federal employees and our military men and women didn't ask to miss a paycheck, and they shouldn't have to suffer because Congress didn't do its job," said Congressman Dusty Johnson (SD-AL). "My bill would make sure none of these employees are working without pay, unable to make ends meet for themselves and their families."

The Shutdown Fairness Act would help prevent backlogs, service disruptions, and contract delays that pile up during shutdowns.

During the most recent 43-day government shutdown, families struggled due to missed paychecks. The Shutdown Fairness Act ensures that these workers are never again forced to bear the brunt of Washington gridlock.

The bipartisan bill is endorsed by more than a dozen labor and professional organizations representing federal workers, first responders, airline employees, and pilots, including: The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), National Association of Letter Carriers, National Association of Retired and Federal Employees, The Federal Managers Association, The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), The Council of Prison Locals 33 (CPL-33), The National Treasury Employees Union, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, Coalition of Airline Pilots Association, NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots, Transport Workers Union, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Partnership for Public Service, Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association, and the Allied Pilots Association.

"Fire fighters don't get to sit out a shutdown. They show up, do a dangerous job, and protect our nation's military bases. The Shutdown Fairness Act is about making sure fire fighters get paid for their lifesaving work. The IAFF thanks Reps. Gottheimer and Johnson for their commitment to fire fighters. We urge Congress to pass the Shutdown Fairness Act and ensure no worker is ever again forced to work without pay," said IAFF General President Edward A. Kelly.

"Federal workers show up every day of the year to serve the American people - even on days when Congress is at an impasse. Most are living paycheck to paycheck and they suffered tremendously during the recent government shutdown - missing rent and car payments and unable to afford food for their families and gas to get to work. The bipartisan Shutdown Fairness Act, led in the Senate by Ron Johnson, permanently ends this mistreatment by providing that federal workers and members of the military will continue to work and get paid during lapses of appropriations. AFGE is profoundly thankful to Reps. Dusty Johnson, Josh Gottheimer, Ryan Mackenzie, and Maggie Goodlander and their bipartisan colleagues for introducing this House bill that will protect American families from financial ruin when Congress can't agree on spending levels," said Dr. Everett Kelley, National President, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE).

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