Federal Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act
The Federal Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act would, during any lapse in funding for fiscal year 2026, provide a dedicated, temporary appropriation to ensure federal firefighters continue to be paid and receive their allowances. It also bars reductions in force (i.e., layoffs) for federal firefighters during government shutdowns. The funding would remain available until the earlier of: (a) enactment of any appropriation for any purpose, (b) enactment of an appropriation without a provision for this purpose, or (c) January 1, 2027. The bill defines federal firefighters as workers in executive agencies or military departments whose duties primarily involve fire control and extinguishment. In short, the bill creates a short-term, targeted payroll shield for federal firefighters during funding gaps and shutdowns, ensuring they are paid and protected from layoff during the lapse, with a sunset date if no further action is taken.
Key Points
- 1Creates a temporary, dedicated funding stream for FY2026 to pay and provide allowances to federal firefighters during any lapse in appropriations.
- 2Funds remain available until the earlier of enactment of any appropriations, enactment of a relevant appropriation without this provision, or January 1, 2027.
- 3Prohibits federal agencies from reducing the workforce of federal firefighters due to a lapse in discretionary funding during a government shutdown.
- 4Defines “federal firefighter” as a civil service employee in an executive agency or military department whose duties are primarily to perform work directly connected with fire control and extinguishment.
- 5Applies to pay and allowances specifically (not general salary increases or broader benefits), and uses existing federal definitions of civil service, executive agency, and military department for scope.