Federal Managers Association

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• FMA SUPPORTS LEGISLATION PROTECTING FEDS' HEALTH COVERAGE DURING SHUTDOWNS - April 10, 2019
• During the week of April 1, lawmakers in the House and the Senate introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would protect health care coverage for feds in the event of a future government shutdown. The bills are the Ensuring FEHBP Coverage During Shutdowns Act (H.R. 2003 / S. 971) and the Ensuring FEDVIP and FLTCIP Coverage During Shutdowns Act (H.R. 2004 / S. 973). FMA endorsed all four bills.
  
  
  House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings (D-MD) introduced the legislation in the House, along with Government Operations Chairman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Ranking Member Mark Meadows (R-NC), and six other bipartisan cosponsors. Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the legislation in the Senate, cosponsored by Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Mark Warner (D-VA).  

  
  

  In letters to the sponsors, FMA National President Renee Johnson wrote, "FMA urges Congress and the administration to work together to prevent future lapses in appropriations. However, in the event of future shutdowns, feds should never have to be concerned about losing health benefits and services, including processing coverage for new dependents, due to circumstances beyond their control."

  
  

  Earlier in the 116th Congress, FMA also endorsed legislation sponsored by Sen. Cardin, the Protecting Employees' Security Clearances Act of 2019 (S. 464).  
  
  
  To follow the progress of the bills, please click here.

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