Compassion for Vulnerable and Struggling Workers Act

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 1597 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1597 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. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 26, 2025 Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL 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. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 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