The Senate approved an amendment to its version of the $1.9 trillion COVID relief plan passed Saturday that would extend leave flexibilities for federal contractors.
The amendment, approved as part of the package after an all-night voting session, was from Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and ranking member Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. Section 3610 of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act, passed almost a year ago, allows federal agencies to use their funds to give contractors sick or paid leave during the pandemic if they are not able to access their worksites or telework. The provision is currently set to expire on March 31, but now will be extended until September 30. Although the Trump administration first issued guidance last March advising agencies to “maximize telework” for contractors, that is not possible for many, including some involved in sensitive or classified work.
“We are pleased that the Senate passed this bipartisan legislation to provide much-needed stability for personnel who serve a key role in protecting our national security missions and other vital programs,” Warner and Rubio said in a joint statement. The amendment was passed overwhelmingly, 93-6 (the nays were all Republicans).
The Professional Services Council, which represents over 400 companies that contract with the federal government, applauded the move. “Federal agencies need flexibility to continue to use this authority when necessary,” said David Berteau, PSC president and CEO, in a senate covid package includes extension leave reimbursement contractors
