Pay Our Troops Act of 2026
Key claim: HR5401 would provide continuing appropriations for military and defense civilian/contractor pay during any FY2026 government shutdown, lasting until appropriations are enacted or January 1, 2027.
Abstract
(HR5401 · 119th Congress) 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. Latest action (2025-09-16): Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
Why this matters
Shutdown-contingency pay bills are a recurring signal that Congress expects appropriations friction and wants to shield uniformed personnel and the DoD workforce from pay disruption. Even when unlikely to pass standalone, such bills shape leverage in shutdown negotiations and set the fiscal baseline (prior-year rates) that would apply if enacted. Tracking them clarifies which categories of defense workers (troops, civilians, contractors) each proposal covers and how long the protection extends.