Bills · HR 1597
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1597Health care coverage and accessGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Compassion for Vulnerable and Struggling Workers Act
INTRO FEB 26· LAST ACTION FEB 26
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
13
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because losing a job often means losing health insurance, which can be devastating, especially for individuals facing health challenges like cancer or pregnancy. For those federal employees who are involuntarily let go, particularly under circumstances like being fired 'without cause' or having a good performance record, this bill offers a safety net for their health coverage.
If this bill becomes law, it provides a specific, albeit time-limited, pathway for certain former federal employees to access critical health benefits, potentially preventing medical debt or ensuring continuity of care. If it doesn't pass, these individuals would likely face the standard challenges of finding new health insurance after job loss, which can be difficult and costly, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions or who are pregnant.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Allows certain former federal civil service employees to enroll in or continue coverage under the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).
This provides access to comprehensive health insurance for individuals who might otherwise lose it after being involuntarily removed from their jobs.
PROVISION 02
Establishes a specific timeframe (January 20, 2025, to January 1, 2026) during which the involuntary removal must occur for an individual to be eligible.
This limits the scope of the bill to a particular period, affecting only those removed within these specific dates.
PROVISION 03
Requires eligible individuals to meet one of four criteria at the time of removal: removed without cause, 'fully successful' performance review, pregnant, or diagnosed with cancer in the preceding 5 years.
These criteria define the specific vulnerable groups the bill aims to assist, focusing on circumstances beyond an employee's control or personal health situations.
PROVISION 04
Specifies that the funding for these health benefits will come from federal funds saved by the 'United States DOGE Service,' an entity focused on government efficiency.
This provision dictates the funding source, intending to cover costs through existing savings rather than new federal appropriations.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 13
D· Florida
YRS IN OFFICE
4
BILLS LED
20
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 13 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 26
Introduced in House
FEB 26
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1597
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 26, 2025
Last actionFeb 26, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 26, 2025
House BillHR 1597Health care coverage and accessGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Compassion for Vulnerable and Struggling Workers Act
INTRODUCED FEB 26, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 26, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
13
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
