This bill matters because it aims to prevent disruptions to critical disaster response and recovery efforts during government shutdowns. When the government shuts down, non-essential services typically halt, and many federal employees are furloughed. This bill ensures that FEMA, a crucial agency for responding to natural disasters and other emergencies, can continue its vital work without interruption.
If this bill becomes law, FEMA employees will not face uncertainty about their paychecks during a shutdown, and more importantly, disaster victims can expect continuous support. Without this bill, a government shutdown could mean delays in aid, slower recovery times, and reduced capacity for FEMA to prepare for and respond to new emergencies, leaving communities more vulnerable. It addresses the practical impact of political disagreements on essential public safety and welfare services.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Provides continuing funds for FEMA employee pay and benefits during a government shutdown in fiscal year 2026.
Ensures that essential disaster response personnel are paid, maintaining morale and operational readiness.
PROVISION 02
Ensures FEMA operations, including disaster relief under the Stafford Act and other grant administration, can continue during a shutdown.
Prevents delays in critical aid and support to communities affected by disasters.
PROVISION 03
Appropriates 'such sums as may be necessary' from the Treasury for these purposes during the specified period.
Guarantees that funds are available directly without needing further congressional action during a shutdown.
PROVISION 04
Makes the provisions effective retroactively from February 13, 2026.
Allows for the immediate activation of funding for any shutdown periods that might have already begun or start soon after the specified date.
PROVISION 05
Sets clear termination conditions for the temporary funding, either upon enactment of new appropriations or by September 30, 2026.
Ensures the temporary funding mechanism does not permanently bypass the regular budget process.
This bill matters because it aims to prevent disruptions to critical disaster response and recovery efforts during government shutdowns. When the government shuts down, non-essential services typically halt, and many federal employees are furloughed. This bill ensures that FEMA, a crucial agency for responding to natural disasters and other emergencies, can continue its vital work without interruption.
If this bill becomes law, FEMA employees will not face uncertainty about their paychecks during a shutdown, and more importantly, disaster victims can expect continuous support. Without this bill, a government shutdown could mean delays in aid, slower recovery times, and reduced capacity for FEMA to prepare for and respond to new emergencies, leaving communities more vulnerable. It addresses the practical impact of political disagreements on essential public safety and welfare services.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Provides continuing funds for FEMA employee pay and benefits during a government shutdown in fiscal year 2026.
Ensures that essential disaster response personnel are paid, maintaining morale and operational readiness.
high
Ensures FEMA operations, including disaster relief under the Stafford Act and other grant administration, can continue during a shutdown.
Prevents delays in critical aid and support to communities affected by disasters.
med
Appropriates 'such sums as may be necessary' from the Treasury for these purposes during the specified period.
Guarantees that funds are available directly without needing further congressional action during a shutdown.
med
Makes the provisions effective retroactively from February 13, 2026.
Allows for the immediate activation of funding for any shutdown periods that might have already begun or start soon after the specified date.
med
Sets clear termination conditions for the temporary funding, either upon enactment of new appropriations or by September 30, 2026.
Ensures the temporary funding mechanism does not permanently bypass the regular budget process.
Period during which interim or full-year appropriations for fiscal year 2026 are not in effect, starting from this date.
February 13, 2026
Effective date of the Act (retroactive).
The earliest of (1) the date of enactment of an appropriation for the same purpose, (2) the date of enactment of an appropriation resolution without such appropriation, or (3) September 30, 2026
Termination of amounts and authority granted under this Act, if a new appropriation bill is not enacted or if a non-appropriation bill is passed.
September 30, 2026
Latest termination date for the temporary funding.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) pay and operations during a government shutdown
mandatory
Fiscal Year 2026 (during any period without full appropriations, starting February 14, 2026)
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Appropriations
Money set aside by Congress for specific government spending. Without appropriations, government agencies cannot spend money.
Continuing Appropriations
Temporary legislation that allows government agencies to continue operating and spending money at previous levels when a full budget hasn't been passed by the start of a new fiscal year.
Government Shutdown
Occurs when Congress fails to pass appropriation bills, leading to the temporary closure of non-essential government services and furloughing of many federal employees.
Fiscal Year 2026
The financial year for the U.S. government that begins on October 1, 2025, and ends on September 30, 2026.
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act)
The main federal law that outlines how the U.S. government provides disaster and emergency assistance to states and local governments.
Administrator of FEMA
The head official of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, responsible for leading the agency's disaster response and preparedness efforts.
Treasury not otherwise appropriated
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
MAR 12
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
MAR 12
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Refers to funds in the U.S. Treasury that have not yet been designated or allocated for a specific purpose by previous acts of Congress, making them available for new appropriations.
