Kaine Cosponsors Legislation To Extend Unemployment Compensation To Unpaid Federal Workers During Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC –  U.S. Senator Tim Kaine cosponsored legislation to extend unemployment compensation to federal employees who are working without pay during the government shutdown. Currently, furloughed federal employees are able to seek unemployment compensation, but the Department of Labor has not determined whether the same benefit is available to employees who are working without pay. 

“This shutdown is hurting millions of Americans and it must end now. I’ve heard from many unpaid Virginia federal workers who are worried about how they’ll cover costs like rent, food, gas, and tuition payments. We must reopen government and get them their paychecks. But for the time being, until the President ends his shutdown, we’re going to keep working to help people access the resources needed to pay their bills,” Kaine said.    

The bill, called the Federal Unemployment Compensation Equality Act, would clarify existing law to allow federal workers who continue to work during any government shutdown to be considered “unemployed” and able to receive the same unemployment compensation as federal workers who are furloughed. Compensation would be administered under same rules and regulations as State Unemployment Insurance. The bill was introduced by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

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