H.R. 5924 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Appropriations, Nov 4, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryEnsures Capitol Police pay during shutdowns
This bill sets aside money specifically for the U.S. Capitol Police so they can keep getting paid and benefits if the government shuts down in 2026. It covers salaries, overtime, bonuses, and benefits for Capitol Police officers who have to keep working during a shutdown, plus support staff and contractors helping them. The money would only be used if there's a shutdown and would stop once Congress passes a regular budget or we reach the end of September 2026.
How it affects you
If you're a Capitol Police officer or civilian employee supporting them, this bill means you'd continue receiving your paycheck and benefits even if the government temporarily runs out of money. For most Americans, this has no direct effect on your daily life, though it does ensure the Capitol Police can maintain security operations without interruption during a shutdown.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Nov 4, 2025)
Pay Our Capitol Police Act
This 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.
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. 5924
A BILL
Pay Our Capitol Police Act
Sponsor: Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI-1) · Introduced Nov 4, 2025 · Congress · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Nov 4, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.”