Pay Our Military Act
Pay Our Military Act
Plain Language Summary
# Pay Our Military Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The Pay Our Military Act would ensure that military personnel and their support staff continue receiving paychecks during a government shutdown. Specifically, it would provide funding for active-duty military members, reserve and National Guard personnel doing training, and Department of Defense civilian employees and contractors who support military operations. This funding would continue until either Congress passes a full budget or January 1, 2026, whichever comes first. **Who It Affects and Why It Matters** This bill targets a significant problem that occurs during government shutdowns: military members and civilian defense workers may not receive paychecks even though they're expected to work.
The bill aims to prevent financial hardship for hundreds of thousands of service members and their families during budget disputes between Congress and the administration. It also covers Coast Guard personnel when the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House.
CRS Official Summary
Pay Our Military ActThis bill provides continuing appropriations for military pay for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2025 are not in effect (i.e., a government shutdown).Specifically, the bill provides FY2025 continuing appropriations for the pay and allowances of (1) members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, who perform active service or inactive-duty training during the period; and (2) civilian employees and contractors of the Department of Defense (and the Department of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Department of the Navy) who are providing support to such members of the Armed Forces.If a government shutdown occurs, the bill provides the continuing appropriations until the earlier of (1) the enactment into law of specified appropriations legislation, or (2) January 1, 2026.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.