Pay Our Troops Act of 2026

# Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 - Summary **What it does:** This bill would ensure that military personnel and defense workers continue to receive paychecks during a government shutdown. Specifically, it would provide funding for active-duty military members, reserve forces, and Department of Defense civilian employees and contractors who support these troops. The funding would continue until Congress passes a full budget or January 1, 2027, whichever comes first. **Who it affects:** Military service members across all branches of the Armed Forces, National Guard and Reserve members on active duty, civilian defense department employees, defense contractors, and Coast Guard personnel.

Essentially, anyone whose job involves direct support to active military operations would be protected from losing pay during a budget lapse. **Current status:** The bill (HR 5401) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House. This type of bill is typically considered non-controversial, as it aims to protect military compensation during budget disputes between Congress and the administration.