Bill to pay troops during shutdown filed as funding deadline looms

Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) reintroduced a bill Thursday to ensure that members of the military get paid during a government shutdown, a move that comes as a March 14 deadline ticks closer without a deal to extend funding.

The Pay Our Troops Act would direct existing unappropriated Treasury Department funds to be made available to pay members of the armed forces as well as civilian employees and defense contractors supporting the military in the event of a shutdown until either a continuing resolution (CR) is passed, regular full-year funding is passed, or until Jan. 1, 2026.

“Dysfunction in Washington should never force our servicemembers to go without a paycheck. These men and women put their lives on the line to protect our country – it is our responsibility to ensure they can provide for their families and put food on their tables,” Kiggans, who represents a district with a large military population, said in a statement.

House Republicans are crafting a bill to continue funding the government through the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30.

But it is not clear if Democrats will support that bill. At least some Democratic support will be needed to avert a shutdown due to the 60-vote threshold in the Senate.

Military pay, though, has consistently been a major motivator to get lawmakers to compromise on averting a shutdown, since no politicians want to be seen as undermining the troops.

But such a scenario is not unprecedented. During a 2019 government shutdown, 50,000 Coast Guard employees went without pay for 35 days.

“When we take care of our Armed Forces, we also fortify our national security,” Kiggans said. “As Congress works to avoid a government shutdown, my legislation will give our troops the financial certainty they deserve to ensure they remain a lethal fighting force. As a Navy veteran, Navy spouse, and Navy Mom, I will always be the loudest voice to protect our men and women in uniform and their families.”

Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) is leading a companion bill in the Senate.

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