WASHINGTON - This week, United States Congressman Van Taylor (R-TX-03) joined the Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD-07), the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA-11), and the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC-11) to introduce two pieces of legislation to help protect the health benefits of the nearly 6,000 federal workers who reside in Texas’ Third Congressional District in the event of future government shutdowns.

Reports during the recent shutdown indicated federal employees experiencing “qualifying life events” had difficulty obtaining health insurance coverage for themselves or their loved ones because some agencies were not processing new enrollments or changes to enrollments. There were also reports of employees possibly losing coverage if they did not pay their premiums for dental, vision, and long-term care insurance because coverage would continue only for two or three pay periods, after which insurers would start billing employees directly.

Congressman Van Taylor said, "Earlier this year, I took the oath-of-office in the midst of a partial government shutdown. A shutdown that impacted the livelihood of nearly 6,000 federal employees who live in Texas’ Third Congressional District. These civil servants have dedicated their life’s work to serving their communities and deserve to know their families will have access to healthcare in the event of a future shutdown.”

H.R. 2003, the Ensuring FEHBP Coverage During Shutdowns Act, would ensure that employees who experience a qualifying life event—such as the birth or adoption of a child—could immediately enroll their dependents into a Federal Employee Health Benefits Program plan even if the government is shut down.

H.R. 2004, the Ensuring FEDVIP and FTLTCIP Coverage During Shutdowns Act, would ensure that employees’ dental and vision benefits and their long-term care insurance coverage would continue during any period the government is shut down.

Both bills are supported by the American Federation of Government Employees, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, and International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers.

A 7th generation Texan, Congressman Van Taylor is a dedicated family man, successful businessman, and decorated Marine Officer. Taylor served Collin County both in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate. On November 6, 2018, Van Taylor was elected to represent Texas’ 3rd Congressional District in the United States Congress.

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