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H.R. 2003House116th Congress (2019-2021)In Committee

Ensuring FEHBP Coverage During Shutdowns Act

Sponsored by Elijah E. CummingsRep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD)
Introduced April 1, 2019

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 14, 2026 at 3:53 AM UTC

The Ensuring FEHBP Coverage During Shutdowns Act changes federal law so that, during a government funding lapse, certain activities related to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) can continue. Specifically, enrolling employees in health plans or updating their enrollment after a qualifying life event will be treated as emergency services, allowing them to be funded even when other government operations are halted. This affects federal employees who rely on health coverage and the agencies that manage the FEHBP.

Key Provisions

  • Amends Title 5, U.S. Code to add that enrollment services and enrollment changes for qualifying life events under the FEHBP are considered "services for emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property" under the Anti-Deficiency Act.
  • Applies the new rule to any shutdown (lapse in appropriations) that begins on or after the law’s enactment.

Legislative Activity

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3 earlier actions
HouseCommittee Latest Action

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

June 12, 2019

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

April 1, 2019

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

April 1, 2019

HouseCommittee

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

June 12, 2019

HouseCommittee

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

June 12, 2019

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued April 1, 2019

I

116th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 2003

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 1, 2019

Mr. Cummings (for himself, Mr. Connolly, Mr. Meadows, Ms. Clark of Massachusetts, Mr. Young, and Mr. Taylor) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform

A BILL

To amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify that during a lapse in appropriations certain services relating to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program are excepted services under the Anti-Deficiency Act, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Ensuring FEHBP Coverage During Shutdowns Act.

2.

Designating certain FEHBP-related services as excepted services under the Anti-Deficiency Act

(a)

In general

Section 8905 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(i)

Any services by an officer or employee under this chapter relating to enrolling individuals in a health benefits plan under this chapter, or changing the enrollment of an individual already so enrolled due to a qualifying life event, shall be deemed, for purposes of section 1342 of title 31, services for emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property.

.

(b)

Application

The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to any lapse in appropriations beginning on or after the date of enactment of this Act.