PRO–WORK Act

20. Prohibition on Federal funds during lock-outs

(a) In general. Beginning on January 1, 2026, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, no Federal funds may be made available to, or obligated or expended by, an employer during—

(1) any lock-out period; and

(2)

(A) if no preceding lock-out period has occurred with respect to such employer, an additional period that—

(i) begins on the first day following the lock-out period; and

(ii) is equal in length to the number of days in such lock-out period; and

(B) in any other case, the 1-year period beginning on the day following the lock-out period.

(b) Reimbursement. Each employer shall reimburse the Federal Government for any funds obligated or expended by the employer in violation of subsection (a) during any part of a lock-out period that occurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2026, and ending on the date of enactment of the Preventing Revenue Opportunities for Workplace Lockouts and Retaliation Act.

(c) Lock-Out period defined. For purposes of this section, the term lock-out period means, with respect to an employer, any period of time during which such employer is engaged in a lock-out of employees.