What does Preamble of Federal Employees Civil Relief Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To suspend the enforcement of certain civil liabilities of Federal employees and contractors during a lapse in appropriations, or during a breach of the statutory debt limit, and for other purposes,' aims to suspend certain civil liabilities. The bill addresses situations involving a lapse in appropriations or a breach of the statutory debt limit. It was introduced in the House of Representatives on October 8, 2025, by Mr. Boyle of Pennsylvania, along with Ms. Randall, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, and Ms. Salinas.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Federal Employees Civil Relief Act do?

This bill is formally titled Federal Employees Civil Relief Act

What does PURPOSE. of Federal Employees Civil Relief Act do?

This Act aims to temporarily suspend judicial and administrative proceedings. The suspension is intended to address actions that could negatively impact the civil rights of Federal workers. The suspension applies during a shutdown.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Federal Employees Civil Relief Act do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. “Consumer reporting agency” is defined by reference to section 603(f) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. “Contractor” is defined by reference to section 7101 of title 41, United States Code. “Court,” “judgment,” and “State” are defined by reference to section 101 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. “Covered period” refers to the time between the start and end of a shutdown, lasting 30 days after the shutdown concludes. “Federal worker” includes employees of government agencies and employees of contractors. “Government agency” encompasses authorities within the executive, legislative, or judicial branches of the U.S. Government. “Shutdown” is defined as either a lapse in appropriations exceeding 24 hours or when the U.S. debt exceeds its statutory limit.

What does JURISDICTION. of Federal Employees Civil Relief Act do?

This Act applies to the United States, each state and its political subdivisions, and all territory subject to U.S. jurisdiction. The Act applies to judicial or administrative proceedings commenced in jurisdictions subject to it, but excludes criminal proceedings and child support payments. If an application is required under this Act and no proceeding has already been commenced, it may be made to any court that would otherwise have jurisdiction. Federal workers are entitled to written notice regarding benefits provided under this Act. The head of the employing agency must provide this notice to Federal workers upon becoming a Federal worker and periodically, including when a shutdown begins. In the legislative or judicial branches, the officer with final authority over employment terms must provide the required notice.

What does ANTICIPATORY RELIEF. of Federal Employees Civil Relief Act do?

This section concerns anticipatory relief for federal workers. Federal workers furloughed or required to work without pay during a shutdown may apply to a court. The court application can seek a temporary stay, postponement, or suspension of certain payments. Covered payments include rent, mortgage, tax, fine, penalty, insurance premium, student loan repayment, and other civil obligations or liabilities.

What does EVICTIONS. of Federal Employees Civil Relief Act do?

This section addresses evictions during a government shutdown. Landlords are prohibited from evicting federal workers or subjecting their residences to distress without a court order. Courts have the authority to stay eviction proceedings for 30 days, or longer if deemed equitable, when a federal worker's ability to pay rent is materially affected by a shutdown. Courts may also adjust lease obligations to protect the interests of all parties. Landlords who receive relief from the court due to a stay may be granted further relief as equity requires. Knowingly participating in or attempting to participate in an eviction or distress prohibited by this section can result in fines or imprisonment.

What does MORTGAGE PROTECTION AND FORECLOSURES. of Federal Employees Civil Relief Act do?

This section defines a 'covered action' as an action relating to an obligation secured by a mortgage, trust deed, or other security, involving real or personal property owned by a Federal worker, that originated and was in effect before a government shutdown. During a 'covered period' (a government shutdown), a court may stay foreclosure proceedings or adjust the obligation if the Federal worker's ability to comply is materially affected. Sales, foreclosures, or seizures of property belonging to Federal workers are invalid during a covered period unless authorized by a court order obtained before the action. Knowingly making or attempting to make a prohibited sale, foreclosure, or seizure is a misdemeanor punishable by fines or imprisonment.

What does LIENS. of Federal Employees Civil Relief Act do?

This section defines 'lien' to include liens for storage, repair, or cleaning of property belonging to a Federal worker, and loans related to motor vehicles. During a 'covered period,' foreclosure or enforcement of a lien on a Federal worker's property is prohibited without a court order issued before the foreclosure or enforcement. A court may stay foreclosure proceedings or adjust the underlying obligation if a Federal worker's ability to comply is materially affected by a shutdown. Knowingly violating this section, or attempting to do so, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or imprisonment.

What does STUDENT LOANS. of Federal Employees Civil Relief Act do?

This section defines 'student loan' to include loans made under the Higher Education Act of 1965 and private education loans. The section applies to situations where a federal worker's student loan payment is due or unpaid during a government shutdown, and the worker has been furloughed or required to work without pay. Federal workers are eligible for deferment during a 'covered period,' during which principal payments are not required and interest does not accrue. Lenders may not place a student loan in default without a court order during a shutdown. Lenders are restricted from collection activities, reporting adverse information to credit agencies, or garnishing wages/benefits during a shutdown without a court order. A court may stay collection proceedings or adjust obligations if a federal worker's ability to comply is materially affected by a shutdown. Violations of this section can result in fines or imprisonment.

Back to bills

Federal Employees Civil Relief Act

Last updated: 10/8/2025 · Introduced: 10/8/2025

Author: Brendan Boyle (D-PA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill temporarily suspends certain legal proceedings and financial obligations for federal workers and contractors during government shutdowns or periods when the U.S. debt limit is breached.
Federal workers facing eviction due to a shutdown are protected from eviction without a court order, and courts can adjust lease obligations to address financial hardship.
The bill prevents mortgage foreclosures and liens from being enforced against federal workers during a shutdown unless a court order was obtained beforehand.
Federal workers are eligible for student loan deferment during shutdowns, preventing default and halting interest accrual, with restrictions on lender collection activities.
The bill provides protections against insurance policies lapsing or terminating due to a federal worker's inability to pay premiums during a shutdown.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 12 more.

14 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account