The possibility of a government shutdown is once again looming as Congress debates funding bills Unlike in previous shutdowns, our military service members are at risk of not receiving their paychecks on time if a shutdown occurs Thankfully, there is bipartisan support for legislation to guarantee military pay during a lapse in appropriations. As the government funding deadline of September 30th approaches, it is critical that Congress pass a bill to pay the military during a potential shutdown.
The Problem
In the past, military pay was protected during government shutdowns because either the Department of Defense appropriations bill had already been enacted or Congress passed separate legislation to ensure the troops got paid. For example, during the 2013 shutdown, Congress preemptively passed the Pay Our Military Act to guarantee pay for service members.
However, this year the Defense spending bill has not yet been passed That means the over 2 million active-duty and reserve service members will not receive their scheduled paychecks on October 15th if the government shuts down
This is an unacceptable situation. Our all-volunteer military serves to protect our nation. It is unconscionable that Congress would allow politics to harm those who protect our country. Unlike other government workers, service members are legally prohibited from quitting or finding another job. They have no choice but to continue serving without pay.
Bipartisan Support for a Solution
Thankfully, members of Congress recognize the need to ensure military pay during a shutdown. Bipartisan bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate to guarantee pay for service members and certain civilian employees who support military readiness.
In the House, the Pay Our Troops Act was introduced by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA). The Senate version was introduced by Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and has garnered support from 13 Republican and 7 Democrat co-sponsors.
Additionally, legislation sponsored by Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI) called the Pay Our Military Act would ensure pay for all military personnel, including reservists, civilian employees, and contractors. This has support from both parties as well.
Veteran service organizations like the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and advocates like Blue Star Families have voiced strong support for these bills.
Key Provisions
The Pay Our Troops Act and similar bills have a few key provisions:
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Guarantees pay for all active-duty and reserve service members during a lapse in appropriations. This covers over 2 million personnel.
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Ensures pay for civilian employees whose responsibilities directly support military readiness and capabilities. This includes certain employees at the Department of Defense and Coast Guard.
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Provides back pay after the shutdown ends to any service members or civilian personnel who were not paid on time.
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Appropriates funds from the Treasury as necessary to pay personnel.
Passing this legislation would provide much-needed assurance to our troops and their families. Military members would be able to focus on their duties without financial worries if a shutdown occurs.
Time is Running Out
With the September 30th funding deadline imminent, time is quickly running out for Congress to act. The House passed a continuing resolution on September 23rd that would extend funding through December 16th and guarantee military pay. However, prospects in the Senate are uncertain.
If a shutdown does happen, service members would miss their October 15th paycheck without passage of the Pay Our Troops Act or similar legislation. Any gap in pay would cause unnecessary hardship for military families who already deal with frequent moves, deployments, and other challenges.
Veterans groups are urgently calling on Congress to pass legislation before September 30th. In a recent letter, the MOAA stated, “Our service members shoulder unrelenting demands and burdens in service to our nation. They should not also have to bear the avoidable burden of budgetary uncertainty, financial hardship, and anxiety that comes with not knowing when their next paycheck will arrive.”
For the sake of our troops who protect us every day, Congress must swiftly pass the Pay Our Troops Act or similar legislation. Our military personnel deserve the peace of mind of knowing their paychecks are secure. Politicians on both sides of the aisle must set aside partisan differences and make supporting the troops their top priority.
Will VA Benefits Be Affected by a Government Shutdown?
Will veterans still receive disability compensation? Some benefits and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs are not affected by a shutdown, while others will pause until an agreement is reached.
On the upside, compensation, pension, education (GI Bill) and housing benefits continue to be processed and delivered. VA medical centers, outpatient clinics and veteran centers remain open. Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries, and applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing continue.
Services impacted by the shutdown include veteran career counseling or transition assistance program activities. VA education benefits contact centers will close, as will the VA benefits regional offices and some other administrative functions of the VA.
Will the Military Get Paid During a Government Shutdown?
If a funding bill fails to pass Congress, pay is frozen for federal employees, including the nation’s military personnel.
There always is a chance members would pass a half-measure that would allow for military personnel to be paid, even if the budget battle was not fully solved. In 2018, prior to the government’s last shutdown, lawmakers were able to pass a measure that allowed military personnel to continue being paid throughout the shutdown.
Efforts to pass a similar measure have not been successful.
Sen Doug Jones co sponsors bill to pay military during government shutdown
FAQ
What is the military bill for the government shutdown?
Does the military still get paid during a government shutdown?
Will Navy Federal pay the military during shutdown?
What is the bill for military pay raise?
Will military members be paid if a government shutdown happens?
Authored by Senator Sullivan, the legislation would ensure America’s military service members—Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard and Space Force—are paid in the event of a government shutdown in Fiscal Year 2024. Prior to requesting the legislation be passed by unanimous consent, Sen. Sullivan delivered remarks on the Senate floor.
Should Congress pay our troops during shutdowns?
“Our troops keep defending our nation during shutdowns and we should recognize their dedication by ensuring they are paid regardless of how well Congress fulfills its own duty to fund the government.” U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) led the legislation.
Can military servicemembers still get their paychecks if there’s a shutdown?
With no enacted Defense bill even close, the only chance for military servicemembers to still get their paychecks if there’s a shutdown is for lawmakers to go the 2013 route. Technically, there’s still time. Former Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo., introduced the bill on Sept. 28, 2013; it passed the House at 12:24 a.m. on the 29th.
What is the pay our military act?
“Facing an imminent government shutdown in 2013, which ended up lasting 16 days, this bill, the Pay Our Military Act, was passed unanimously by the U.S. Senate and unanimously by the U.S. House and signed by the President. Congress recognized then the importance of uninterrupted military pay for our military members and their families.”
What is the pay our military act of 2023?
Tillis Co-Sponsors Bill to Guarantee Military Pay in Event of Government Shutdow WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis co-sponsored the Pay Our Military Act of 2023, legislation to ensure that America’s military servicemembers—Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard and Space Force—are paid in the event of a government shutdown.
Who blocked the pay our military act of 2023?
WASHINGTON— U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) attempted to pass the Pay Our Military Act of 2023 on the Senate floor Wednesday, but the legislation was blocked by Senate Democrats.