Pay Our Military Act

# Pay Our Military Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Pay Our Military Act would ensure that military personnel and Defense Department employees continue to receive their paychecks during a government shutdown. Specifically, it would provide funding for active-duty military members, reserve forces, National Guard members doing training, and civilian Defense Department and Coast Guard employees who support military operations. This funding would remain in place until either Congress passes a full budget for fiscal year 2026 or January 1, 2027, whichever comes first. **Who It Affects:** This bill directly impacts active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and roughly 800,000 civilian Defense Department employees and contractors. Indirectly, it affects military families and communities that depend on military paychecks, as well as defense contractors who rely on timely government payments. **Key Context:** The bill is a response to the recurring problem of government shutdowns, during which federal funding lapses.

Historically, military personnel have continued working during shutdowns but faced delayed paychecks—creating hardship for service members and their families. This legislation would prevent that disruption. Currently, the bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House.