Pay the People Act (Shutdown Pay Continuity)
Current understanding
The Pay the People Act would create a standing, automatic appropriation to continue paying federal employees, federal contractors, and active-duty military personnel during any lapse in appropriations (government shutdown). For workers, it would remove the risk of missed or delayed paychecks during shutdowns, including for contractors who historically have not received back pay. For employers (federal agencies and contracting firms), it would stabilize payroll obligations during funding gaps. Status: introduced.
Evidence log
- 2025-10-28 — Pay the People Act: cross-connection with living-wage-federal-contractors: Both bills address federal contractor compensation — one guarantees pay continuity during shutdowns, the other sets a minimum wage floor for contract workers. (novelty: 2)