Warner, Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Federal Workers’ Credit During Government Shutdowns

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) in introducing the Federal Worker Credit Protection Act, legislation to protect federal workers' credit histories during a government shutdown. The bill would prevent harm to credit ratings because of missed or delayed payments when federal workers aren't getting paychecks, helping ensure that federal workers are not financially penalized for circumstances beyond their control.

"Virginia's federal workers are the backbone of the services Americans depend on. Our public servants credit reports shouldn't be negatively affected because of a shutdown they did not cause. This legislation would help ease the pain of a government shutdown by giving federal employees time to catch up when the government reopens," said Warner.

"While I helped pass legislation to ensure hundreds of thousands of civil servants and military personnel receive backpay after the government reopens, I know it isn't the same as getting a paycheck on time when the mortgage and bills are due," said Kaine. "This legislation helps protect federal workers' credit and ensure they aren't penalized for missed payments during a shutdown."

The Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026 would allow federal workers who have been without pay during a shutdown to protect their credit. Specifically, the bill would:

• Prohibit consumer reporting agencies from reporting adverse information on the credit report of federal workers during a government shutdown and for 30 days after the end of a shutdown as workers' pay is restored;

• Require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to notify consumer reporting agencies when federal agencies enter and exit shutdown status;

• Allow federal workers to correct adverse information already on their credit report.

The senators have long been committed advocates for federal workers. Most recently, they sent a letter urging the Trump Administration's Office of Personnel Management (OPM) against implementing two rules that would severely weaken longstanding civil service protections for federal employees. In February they introduced the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act, a bicameral bill that would provide federal employees with a 4.1 percent pay increase in 2027.

The full text of the bill is available here.

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