119 HR 1597 IH: Compassion for Vulnerable and Struggling Workers Act U.S. House of Representatives 2025-02-26 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1597IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 26, 2025Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government ReformA BILLTo 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.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Compassion for Vulnerable and Struggling Workers Act.

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 Department of Government Efficiency, issued on January 20, 2025).