To specify the circumstances in which compensation may or may not be afforded to Federal and District of Columbia employees for the period of a lapse in appropriations for fiscal year 1996.

Declares that any officer or employee of the U.S. Government or of the District of Columbia (D.C.) government who is permitted or required to serve during the period of any lapse in appropriations for the officer's or employee's agency shall be compensated at the standard rate for such period.

Declares that any U.S. or D.C. officer or employee furloughed during any such period shall not be entitled to basic pay with respect to any portion of such period, except that any such person willing and able to serve during the period shall be permitted to serve, and shall be compensated accordingly.