Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026
Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026
Plain Language Summary
# Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026 – Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would ensure that certain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees continue to receive paychecks during a government shutdown. Specifically, it would guarantee pay for DHS law enforcement officers, Coast Guard personnel, and support staff needed to process paychecks and handle basic operations. The funding would continue until either Congress passes a regular budget or January 1, 2027, whichever comes first. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects DHS employees and contractors, including border patrol agents, immigration officers, Coast Guard members, and administrative staff who handle payroll and accounting functions.
Indirectly, it affects the public by ensuring these agencies can maintain core security and operational functions during a shutdown. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. It was introduced by Representative Bill Huizenga (R-Michigan) in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026This bill provides continuing appropriations for the salaries of certain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees during any period in which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2026 or FY2027 are not in effect (i.e., a government shutdown).If there is a government shutdown in FY2026 or FY2027, the bill provides continuing appropriations to provide pay and allowances to DHS law enforcement personnel;DHS employees or contractors who are necessary to carry out this bill, including employees or contractors involved in the administrative, payroll, distribution, accounting, and commercial accounts functions; andmembers, civilian personnel, and contractors of the U.S. Coast Guard.The bill provides the appropriations until the earlier of (1) the enactment of specified appropriations legislation, or (2) January 1, 2027.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.