Pay Our Capitol Police Act
Pay Our Capitol Police Act
Plain Language Summary
# Pay Our Capitol Police Act Summary **What It Does:** This bill would ensure that U.S. Capitol Police officers and their support staff continue to receive paychecks and benefits during a government shutdown. Specifically, it would provide funding for salaries, overtime, hazardous duty pay, bonuses, and employee benefits for Capitol Police who are required to work during a shutdown, as well as civilian support staff and contractors who assist them. **Who It Affects:** The bill directly impacts Capitol Police officers who work during shutdowns (who are considered "essential" and must stay on the job), civilian employees supporting them, and contractors providing services to the police force.
Indirectly, it affects Capitol operations, since police presence is necessary to maintain building security and safety during shutdowns. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 5924) was introduced by Representative Bryan Steil (R-Wisconsin) and is currently in committee. It has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill addresses a recurring issue: Capitol Police and other essential government workers typically work without pay during shutdowns until Congress eventually passes appropriations bills, creating financial hardship.
CRS Official Summary
Pay Our Capitol Police ActThis bill provides FY2026 continuing appropriations for the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) to pay and provide benefits for employees who are working during a government shutdown.The bill provides the appropriations for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2026 are not in effect (i.e., a government shutdown). Specifically, the bill provides the appropriations to the USCP for salaries, overtime pay, hazardous duty pay, recruitment and retention bonuses, and employee benefits for (1) members of the USCP who are excepted employees (i.e., required to work) or are performing emergency work during the shutdown, and (2) civilian employees who are providing support to the members.The bill also provides appropriations for payments to USCP contractors who are providing support to the members of the USCP who are working during the shutdown. The appropriations provided by this bill may not be used during any period in which continuing appropriations are in effect for these purposes. The appropriations are available until the earlier of (1) the enactment into law of legislation to provide FY2026 appropriations for the USCP or the legislative branch (including continuing appropriations), or (2) September 30, 2026.The bill must take effect as if it had been enacted on October 1, 2025.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.