H.R. 5401 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Appropriations, Sep 16, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryEnsures military pay during government shutdowns
When the federal government shuts down because Congress can't agree on a budget, military members and the civilian workers who support them often can't get paid. This bill would make sure they still receive their paychecks during a shutdown. It covers active-duty service members, reservists, and the Defense Department and Coast Guard employees who directly support military operations.
How it affects you
If you serve in the military or work as a civilian for the Department of Defense or Coast Guard, you'd keep getting paid even if a government shutdown happens. For military families and communities built around bases, it means less financial stress during budget standoffs in Washington.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Sep 16, 2025)
Pay Our Troops Act of 2026
This bill provides continuing appropriations for military pay 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 FY2026 continuing appropriations for the pay and allowances of (1) members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, who perform active service during the period; and (2) civilian personnel and contractors of the Department of Defense (and the Department of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard) 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, 2027.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 5401
A BILL
Pay Our Troops Act of 2026
Sponsor: Rep. Jennifer A. Kiggans (R-VA-2) · Introduced Sep 16, 2025 · Armed Forces and National Security · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Sep 16, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.”