HR 5398119th CongressIn Committee

Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026

Introduced: Sep 16, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4] (R-Michigan)

Defense & National Security

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026 would ensure that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel continue to receive their salaries and benefits during a government shutdown in fiscal years 2026 or 2027. The bill appropriates necessary funds from the Treasury to pay law enforcement officers, essential DHS employees and contractors, and Coast Guard personnel when regular appropriations have lapsed. This legislation aims to prevent DHS personnel from working without pay during budget impasses, ensuring continuity of homeland security operations and financial stability for these federal workers.

Key Points

1Provides automatic funding for DHS law enforcement personnel across multiple classification series (including border patrol, immigration enforcement, and other security roles) during government shutdowns
2Authorizes payment for essential DHS employees and contractors needed for administrative, payroll, and accounting functions to ensure the payment system operates
3Covers members, civilian personnel, and contractors of the U.S. Coast Guard who are not otherwise protected by existing law
4Applies only to fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with funding terminating no later than January 1, 2027
5Funding automatically ends when either a full appropriations bill or continuing resolution is enacted, whether or not it includes DHS funding

Impact Areas

DHS Law Enforcement Personnel: Border patrol agents, immigration officers, TSA agents, and other security personnel would receive uninterrupted pay during shutdownsCoast Guard Operations: Military members and civilian personnel would maintain salary continuity during funding lapsesGovernment Shutdown Preparedness: Reduces operational disruptions and financial hardship for homeland security workers during budget negotiationsFederal Budget Process: Creates a carve-out exception to normal appropriations procedures for specific agencies during fiscal years 2026-2027

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