Floor SpeechNeutral2026-06-24

Text of Senate Amendment 6256

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Context

On 2026-06-24, Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) delivered a floor speech titled "Text Of Senate Amendment 6256" in the Senate.

Full Text

Text of Senate Amendment 6256

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3417-S3418] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6256. Mr. SCHATZ submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: TITLE __--FEDERAL EMPLOYEES CIVIL RELIEF ACT SEC. __01. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``Federal Employees Civil Relief Act''. SEC. __02. PURPOSE. The purpose of this title is to provide for the temporary suspension of judicial and administrative proceedings and transactions that may adversely affect the civil rights of Federal workers during a shutdown. SEC. __03. DEFINITIONS. In this title: (1) Consumer reporting agency.--The term ``consumer reporting agency'' has the meaning given the term in section 603(f) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681a(f)). (2) Contractor.--The term ``contractor'' has the meaning given the term in section 7101 of title 41, United States Code. (3) Court; judgment; state.--The terms ``court'', ``judgment'', and ``State'' have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. 3911). (4) Covered period.--The term ``covered period'' means the period beginning on the date on which a shutdown begins and ending on the date that is 30 days after the date on which that shutdown ends. (5) Federal worker.--The term ``Federal worker''-- (A) means an employee of a Government agency; and (B) includes an employee of a contractor. (6) Government agency.--The term ``Government agency'' means each authority of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States. (7) Shutdown.--The term ``shutdown'' means any period in which-- (A) there is more than a 24-hour lapse in appropriations for any Government agency or Federal department as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution; or (B) the debt of the United States Government is greater than the statutory limit under section 3101 of title 31, United States Code. SEC. __04. JURISDICTION. (a) Jurisdiction.--This title shall apply to-- (1) the United States; (2) each of the States, including each political subdivision of a State; and (3) all territory that is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. (b) Applicability to Proceedings.--This title-- (1) shall apply to any judicial or administrative proceeding that is commenced in any court or agency in any jurisdiction that is subject to this title; and (2) shall not apply to criminal proceedings or with respect to child support payments. (c) Court in Which Application May Be Made.--When, under this title, any application is required to be made to a court in which no proceeding has already been commenced with respect to a matter, that application may be made to any court that would otherwise have jurisdiction over the matter. (d) Notification.-- (1) In general.--The head of the Government agency that employs a Federal worker, or at which a Federal worker performs services, as applicable, shall provide the Federal worker with written notice regarding the benefits provided under this title-- (A) on the date on which the individual becomes a Federal worker; and (B) periodically after the date described in subparagraph (A), including on the date on which any shutdown begins. (2) Legislative and judicial branch.--With respect to a Federal worker in a Government agency in the legislative branch or judicial branch (or, in the case of a Federal worker who is an employee of a contractor, who provides services at a Government agency in the legislative branch or judicial branch), the officer or employee at the Government agency who has the final authority to appoint, hire, discharge, and set the terms, conditions, or privileges of the employment of the Federal worker shall provide the notice required under paragraph (1). SEC. __05. ANTICIPATORY RELIEF. A Federal worker who is furloughed or required to work without pay during a shutdown may apply to a court for a temporary stay, postponement, or suspension with respect to any payment of rent, mortgage, tax, fine, penalty, insurance premium, student loan repayment, or other civil obligation or liability that the Federal worker or individual, as applicable, owes or would owe during the duration of the shutdown. SEC. __06. EVICTIONS. (a) Court-Ordered Eviction.--Except by the order of a court, a landlord may not, during a shutdown-- (1) evict a Federal worker from premises that are occupied or intended to be occupied primarily as a residence; or (2) subject premises described in paragraph (1) to a distress. (b) Stay of Execution.-- (1) Court authority.--Upon an application for eviction or distress with respect to premises described in subsection (a)(1), a court may, upon motion of the court, and shall, if a request is made by or on behalf of a Federal worker, the ability of whom to pay the rent that is the subject of the action is materially affected by a shutdown-- (A) stay the proceedings for a period of 30 days, unless, in the opinion of the court, justice and equity require a longer or shorter period of time; or (B) adjust the obligation under the lease to preserve the interests of all parties. (2) Relief to landlord.--If a court grants a stay under paragraph (1), the court may grant to the landlord (or other person with paramount title) such relief as equity may require. (c) Misdemeanor.--Except as provided in subsection (a), a person that knowingly takes part in an eviction or distress described in that subsection, or that knowingly attempts to take part in an eviction or distress described in that subsection, shall be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both. SEC. __07. MORTGAGE PROTECTION AND FORECLOSURES. (a) Definition.--In this section, the term ``covered action'' means an action relating to an obligation-- (1) with respect to real or personal property owned by a Federal worker; and (2) that-- (A) originated before the date on which a shutdown begins; (B) is in effect on the date on which a shutdown begins; and (C) is secured by a mortgage, trust deed, or other security in the nature of a mortgage. (b) Stay of Proceedings and Adjustment of Obligation.--If a covered action is filed in a court during a covered period, the court may, after a hearing and upon the motion of the court, and shall, upon application by the Federal worker if the ability of the Federal worker to comply with the covered obligation is materially affected by the shutdown-- (1) stay the proceedings for a period of time as justice and equity require; or (2) adjust the obligation to preserve the interests of all parties. (c) Sale or Foreclosure.--A sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property for a breach of an obligation described in subsection (a) by a Federal worker shall not be valid if made during a covered period except upon the order of a court that is granted before that sale, foreclosure, or seizure, as applicable, with a return made and approved by the court. (d) Misdemeanor.--A person that knowingly makes or causes to be made a sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property that is prohibited under subsection (c), or that knowingly attempts to make or cause to be made a sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property that is prohibited under that subsection, shall be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both. SEC. __08. LIENS. (a) Liens.-- (1) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``lien'' includes-- (A) a lien-- (i) for storage, repair, or cleaning of the property or effects of a Federal worker; and (ii) on the property or effects described in clause (i) for any reason other than a reason described in that clause; and (B) a loan that a Federal worker has obtained with respect to a motor vehicle. (2) Limitation on foreclosure or enforcement.--A person holding a lien on the property or effects of a Federal worker may not, during a covered period, foreclose on or enforce that lien without the order of a court that was issued before the date on which that foreclosure or enforcement occurs. (b) Stay of Proceedings.--In a proceeding to foreclose on or enforce a lien that is subject to this section, a court may, upon the motion of the court, and shall, if requested by a Federal worker, the ability of whom to comply with the obligation resulting in the proceeding is materially affected by a shutdown-- (1) stay the proceeding for a period of time as justice and equity require; or (2) adjust the obligation to preserve the interests of all parties. (c) Misdemeanor.--A person that knowingly takes an action that violates this section, or attempts to take an action that violates this section, shall be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both. SEC. __09. STUDENT LOANS. (a) Definition of Student Loan.--In this section, the term ``student loan'' means the following: (1) A loan made, insured, or guaranteed under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.), including any Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Federal Direct PLUS Loan, or Federal Direct Consolidation Loan. (2) A private education loan, as such term is defined in section 140(a) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1650(a)). [[Page S3418]] (b) Application to Student Loans.--This section shall apply to any situation in which-- (1) the student loa

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Text of Senate Amendment 6256 Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3417-S3418] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6256. Mr. SCHATZ submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place, insert the following: TITLE __--FEDERAL EMPLOYEES CIVIL RELIEF ACT SEC. __01. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``Federal Employees Civil Relief Act''. SEC. __02. PURPOSE. The purpose of this title is to provide for the temporary suspension of judicial and administrative proceedings and transactions that may adversely affect the civil rights of Federal workers during a shutdown. SEC. __03. DEFINITIONS. In this title: (1) Consumer reporting agency.--The term ``consumer reporting agency'' has the meaning given the term in section 603(f) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681a(f)). (2) Contractor.--The term ``contractor'' has the meaning given the term in section 7101 of title 41, United States Code. (3) Court; judgment; state.--The terms ``court'', ``judgment'', and ``State'' have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. 3911). (4) Covered period.--The term ``covered period'' means the period beginning on the date on which a shutdown begins and ending on the date that is 30 days after the date on which that shutdown ends. (5) Federal worker.--The term ``Federal worker''-- (A) means an employee of a Government agency; and (B) includes an employee of a contractor. (6) Government agency.--The term ``Government agency'' means each authority of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States. (7) Shutdown.--The term ``shutdown'' means any period in which-- (A) there is more than a 24-hour lapse in appropriations for any Government agency or Federal department as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution; or (B) the debt of the United States Government is greater than the statutory limit under section 3101 of title 31, United States Code. SEC. __04. JURISDICTION. (a) Jurisdiction.--This title shall apply to-- (1) the United States; (2) each of the States, including each political subdivision of a State; and (3) all territory that is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. (b) Applicability to Proceedings.--This title-- (1) shall apply to any judicial or administrative proceeding that is commenced in any court or agency in any jurisdiction that is subject to this title; and (2) shall not apply to criminal proceedings or with respect to child support payments. (c) Court in Which Application May Be Made.--When, under this title, any application is required to be made to a court in which no proceeding has already been commenced with respect to a matter, that application may be made to any court that would otherwise have jurisdiction over the matter. (d) Notification.-- (1) In general.--The head of the Government agency that employs a Federal worker, or at which a Federal worker performs services, as applicable, shall provide the Federal worker with written notice regarding the benefits provided under this title-- (A) on the date on which the individual becomes a Federal worker; and (B) periodically after the date described in subparagraph (A), including on the date on which any shutdown begins. (2) Legislative and judicial branch.--With respect to a Federal worker in a Government agency in the legislative branch or judicial branch (or, in the case of a Federal worker who is an employee of a contractor, who provides services at a Government agency in the legislative branch or judicial branch), the officer or employee at the Government agency who has the final authority to appoint, hire, discharge, and set the terms, conditions, or privileges of the employment of the Federal worker shall provide the notice required under paragraph (1). SEC. __05. ANTICIPATORY RELIEF. A Federal worker who is furloughed or required to work without pay during a shutdown may apply to a court for a temporary stay, postponement, or suspension with respect to any payment of rent, mortgage, tax, fine, penalty, insurance premium, student loan repayment, or other civil obligation or liability that the Federal worker or individual, as applicable, owes or would owe during the duration of the shutdown. SEC. __06. EVICTIONS. (a) Court-Ordered Eviction.--Except by the order of a court, a landlord may not, during a shutdown-- (1) evict a Federal worker from premises that are occupied or intended to be occupied primarily as a residence; or (2) subject premises described in paragraph (1) to a distress. (b) Stay of Execution.-- (1) Court authority.--Upon an application for eviction or distress with respect to premises described in subsection (a)(1), a court may, upon motion of the court, and shall, if a request is made by or on behalf of a Federal worker, the ability of whom to pay the rent that is the subject of the action is materially affected by a shutdown-- (A) stay the proceedings for a period of 30 days, unless, in the opinion of the court, justice and equity require a longer or shorter period of time; or (B) adjust the obligation under the lease to preserve the interests of all parties. (2) Relief to landlord.--If a court grants a stay under paragraph (1), the court may grant to the landlord (or other person with paramount title) such relief as equity may require. (c) Misdemeanor.--Except as provided in subsection (a), a person that knowingly takes part in an eviction or distress described in that subsection, or that knowingly attempts to take part in an eviction or distress described in that subsection, shall be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both. SEC. __07. MORTGAGE PROTECTION AND FORECLOSURES. (a) Definition.--In this section, the term ``covered action'' means an action relating to an obligation-- (1) with respect to real or personal property owned by a Federal worker; and (2) that-- (A) originated before the date on which a shutdown begins; (B) is in effect on the date on which a shutdown begins; and (C) is secured by a mortgage, trust deed, or other security in the nature of a mortgage. (b) Stay of Proceedings and Adjustment of Obligation.--If a covered action is filed in a court during a covered period, the court may, after a hearing and upon the motion of the court, and shall, upon application by the Federal worker if the ability of the Federal worker to comply with the covered obligation is materially affected by the shutdown-- (1) stay the proceedings for a period of time as justice and equity require; or (2) adjust the obligation to preserve the interests of all parties. (c) Sale or Foreclosure.--A sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property for a breach of an obligation described in subsection (a) by a Federal worker shall not be valid if made during a covered period except upon the order of a court that is granted before that sale, foreclosure, or seizure, as applicable, with a return made and approved by the court. (d) Misdemeanor.--A person that knowingly makes or causes to be made a sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property that is prohibited under subsection (c), or that knowingly attempts to make or cause to be made a sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property that is prohibited under that subsection, shall be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both. SEC. __08. LIENS. (a) Liens.-- (1) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``lien'' includes-- (A) a lien-- (i) for storage, repair, or cleaning of the property or effects of a Federal worker; and (ii) on the property or effects described in clause (i) for any reason other than a reason described in that clause; and (B) a loan that a Federal worker has obtained with respect to a motor vehicle. (2) Limitation on foreclosure or enforcement.--A person holding a lien on the property or effects of a Federal worker may not, during a covered period, foreclose on or enforce that lien without the order of a court that was issued before the date on which that foreclosure or enforcement occurs. (b) Stay of Proceedings.--In a proceeding to foreclose on or enforce a lien that is subject to this section, a court may, upon the motion of the court, and shall, if requested by a Federal worker, the ability of whom to comply with the obligation resulting in the proceeding is materially affected by a shutdown-- (1) stay the proceeding for a period of time as justice and equity require; or (2) adjust the obligation to preserve the interests of all parties. (c) Misdemeanor.--A person that knowingly takes an action that violates this section, or attempts to take an action that violates this section, shall be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both. SEC. __09. STUDENT LOANS. (a) Definition of Student Loan.--In this section, the term ``student loan'' means the following: (1) A loan made, insured, or guaranteed under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.), including any Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Federal Direct PLUS Loan, or Federal Direct Consolidation Loan. (2) A private education loan, as such term is defined in section 140(a) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1650(a)). [[Page S3418]] (b) Application to Student Loans.--This section shall apply to any situation in which-- (1) the student loa