H.R. 5657: Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2025
Sponsor
Ayanna Pressley
Democrat · MA-7
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Sep 30, 2025
Referred to Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. for review
Why it matters
If Congress allows a federal funding lapse in 2025 or 2026, this bill would try to make sure many contractor workers do not go unpaid while direct federal employees receive back pay.
Politically, the measure is part worker-protection bill and part shutdown-pressure bill: it would reduce the harm of shutdowns for contractor employees, but it could also raise the fiscal cost of any future lapse in appropriations. The bill has a large bloc of House cosponsors, suggesting strong support among Democrats, but its path will depend on broader shutdown politics, committee action, and whether Congress is willing to attach contractor back-pay protections to spending legislation or a shutdown response package.
What does H.R. 5657 do?
Back pay for affected contractor workers
Requires agencies hit by a shutdown to adjust contract prices so contractors can pay workers who were furloughed, laid off, lost hours, stopped working, or had reduced pay because of the funding lapse.
Leave time must be restored
Lets contractors recover the cost of giving back paid leave if workers had to use vacation or other leave during the shutdown.
Applies despite contract fine print
Says agencies can make these payment adjustments even if the original contract did not allow them or seemed to block them.
Weekly pay cap
Limits reimbursable weekly compensation to the worker's actual weekly pay or $1,442, whichever is lower, with part-time workers prorated.
Proof required from contractors
Contractors must show evidence of the labor costs they actually paid before getting reimbursed by the government.
Public reporting on results
Requires a report within one year showing which agencies made payments and how many contractor and subcontractor workers were affected and compensated.
Who benefits from H.R. 5657?
Federal service contract workers
Workers such as cleaners, food service staff, security staff, and other service employees could receive pay they otherwise might lose during a shutdown.
Construction laborers and mechanics on federal jobs
Covered workers on federal projects could be compensated if work stops because agency funding lapses.
Contractors that choose to keep workers whole
Companies that pay workers during a shutdown could be reimbursed for those added labor costs instead of absorbing the loss themselves.
Workers forced to use paid leave
Employees who had to burn vacation or other paid time off during a shutdown could have that leave restored.
Who is affected by H.R. 5657?
Federal agencies affected by a shutdown
They would have to review claims, adjust contract prices, and distribute funds to contractors as quickly as practical.
Federal contractors and subcontractors
They would need to document actual costs and payroll impacts if they want reimbursement under the bill.
Taxpayers and federal budget managers
The measure could increase the total cost of a shutdown because the government would cover contractor back-pay expenses in addition to other shutdown costs.
Office of Federal Procurement Policy
The office would help agencies set evidence standards and would have to publish a report on how the law was carried out.
H.R. 5657 Common Questions
How much shutdown back pay would federal contractor workers get under HR 5657?
According to H.R. 5657 Section 3, reimbursable shutdown pay is capped at the lesser of the worker’s actual weekly compensation or $1,442, with part-time workers prorated.
Can federal contractors get reimbursed if workers had to use vacation during a government shutdown?
Yes. Under the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2025 (Section 3), agencies may adjust contract prices to cover restoration of paid leave employees used during the shutdown.
Does HR 5657 cover subcontractor employees during a government shutdown?
Yes. According to H.R. 5657 Section 3, the public report must count affected contractor and subcontractor employees, showing the bill is intended to reach both groups.
Can agencies pay shutdown back pay to contractors even if the contract says no?
Yes. Under the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2025 (Section 3), agencies may make these contract price adjustments regardless of whether existing contract terms allow or prohibit them.
Which contractor workers are covered by the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2025?
According to H.R. 5657 Section 3, covered workers include service employees under 41 U.S.C. 6701(3) and laborers or mechanics covered by 40 U.S.C. 3142.
Does the bill pay federal contractors for reduced hours during a shutdown or only full furloughs?
It covers more than furloughs. Under the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2025 (Section 3), agencies may reimburse costs for workers laid off, not working, or facing reduced hours or compensation.
What proof do contractors need to get shutdown reimbursement under HR 5657?
According to H.R. 5657 Section 3, contractors must show evidence of costs actually incurred, as deemed appropriate by the agency head in consultation with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy.
How soon would agencies have to pay shutdown-related contract adjustments under the bill?
Under the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2025 (Section 3), agencies must make contract price adjustments as soon as practicable after enactment.
Does HR 5657 apply to a shutdown starting October 1, 2025 and later lapses in 2026?
Yes. According to H.R. 5657 Section 2, the funding applies to lapses beginning on or about October 1, 2025, and any subsequent lapse in fiscal year 2026.
Is there a public report showing which agencies paid shutdown back pay to contractor workers?
Yes. Under the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2025 (Section 3), a public report is due within one year of enactment listing agencies that made adjustments and worker totals affected and compensated.
Based on H.R. 5657 bill text
HR5657 Legislative Journey
House: Committee Action
Sep 30, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
About the Sponsor
Ayanna Pressley
Democrat, Massachusetts's 7th congressional district · 7 years in Congress
Committees: Financial Services, Oversight and Government Reform
View full profile →
Cosponsors (135)
This bill has 135 cosponsors: 134 Democrats, 1 Republican. Cosponsors represent 33 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, and 30 more.
Donald Norcross
Democrat · NJ
Eleanor Norton
Democrat · DC
Yassamin Ansari
Democrat · AZ
Becca Balint
Democrat · VT
Nanette Barragán
Democrat · CA
Joyce Beatty
Democrat · OH
Donald Beyer
Democrat · VA
Suzanne Bonamici
Democrat · OR
Shontel Brown
Democrat · OH
Nikki Budzinski
Democrat · IL
Greg Casar
Democrat · TX
Sean Casten
Democrat · IL
Cosponsor Coverage Map
Committee Sponsors
Oversight and Government Reform Committee
18 of 46 committee members cosponsored
Appropriations Committee
15 of 63 committee members cosponsored
16 Democrats across these committees haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
H.R. 5657 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Oversight and Government Reform
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Government Operations and Politics
- Introduced
- Sep 30, 2025
Referred to Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. for review
Sep 30, 2025
Who is lobbying on H.R. 5657?
4 organizations lobbying on this bill
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES | 3 |
SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION CTW-CLC | 2 |
COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS OF AMERICA | 1 |
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS AND AEROSPACE WORKERS | 1 |
Showing 1-4 of 4 organizations
H.R. 5657 Bill Text
“To provide back pay to Federal contractors, and for other purposes.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
Get notified when H.R. 5657 moves
Committee votes, floor action, cosponsor changes — straight to your inbox.
Bill alerts + Legisletter's monthly briefing. Unsubscribe anytime.
Government Operations and Politics Bills
9 related bills we're tracking
Protect Our Letter Carriers Act of 2025
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Feb 6, 2025
Rights for the TSA Workforce Act
Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
Mar 11, 2025
SAVE Act
Received in the Senate.
Apr 10, 2025
Saving the Civil Service Act
ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Walkinshaw asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 492, a bill originally introduced by Representative Connolly, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
Sep 16, 2025
Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Aug 5, 2025
Designation of English as the Official Language of the United States Act of 2025
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Mar 3, 2025
Deliver for Democracy Act
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Mar 14, 2025
Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.
Feb 12, 2026
Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sep 18, 2025
Trending Right Now
Bills gaining momentum across Congress
Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Feb 17, 2026
ALERT Act
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Feb 20, 2026
Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Mar 5, 2026
Tracking Government Operations and Politics in Congress? Monitor bills, track cosponsor momentum, and launch advocacy campaigns — all from one advocacy platform.