February 26, 2025
Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
To provide that former civil service employees who were wrongfully fired are eligible to enroll in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Compassion for Vulnerable and Struggling Workers Act
.
Sec. 2. Eligibility to enroll in FEHBP for fired civil service employees
(a) Eligibility To enroll
(1) In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any individual described in paragraph (2) may elect to continue coverage under, or enroll in, a health benefits plan under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code.
(2) Individuals
An individual described in this paragraph is any individual who was involuntarily removed from a civil service position during the period beginning on January 20, 2025, and ending on January 1, 2026 and—
(A)
who was removed without cause;
(B)
whose most recent performance review was at least fully successful (or equivalent);
(C)
who was pregnant at the time of the removal; or
(D)
who was diagnosed with cancer during the 5-year period preceding the date of removal.
(b) Contributions
The Government and individual contributions for the health benefits of any individual who makes an affirmative election to be covered under such chapter 89 under subsection (a) shall be derived from any Federal funds saved by the activities of the United States DOGE Service (established by the executive order relating to Establishing and Implementing the President’s
, issued on January 20, 2025).Department of Government Efficiency