Pay Our Military Act of 2025
This bill, formally titled the "Pay Our Military Act of 2025," ensures uninterrupted pay and essential benefits for all active-duty U.S. military personnel—including active components and reserve forces—during any government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. It automatically appropriates funds from the Treasury to cover military salaries, allowances, clothing, food, relocation expenses, and related support costs if full-year or interim funding expires. Crucially, it extends this protection to civilian Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel (for Coast Guard support) and contractors deemed critical to military operations. The bill includes a retroactive effective date to September 30, 2025, preventing any potential pay gaps if a shutdown occurs immediately after the fiscal year begins. Funding remains available until full appropriations pass or September 30, 2026, whichever comes first.
Key Points
- 1Automatic Pay Protection**: Guarantees military pay, allowances, and essential benefits (e.g., relocation, food) during shutdowns using Treasury funds, eliminating reliance on annual appropriations bills.
- 2Expanded Coverage**: Includes active-duty personnel, reserve components, DoD/DHS civilian staff supporting troops, and contractors providing critical military services.
- 3Retroactive Effect**: Takes effect as if enacted on September 30, 2025—ensuring immediate coverage for any shutdown starting October 1, 2025.
- 4Funding Termination Triggers**: Appropriations end upon enactment of FY2026 funding (with or without military pay provisions) or September 30, 2026.
- 5Budget Accountability**: Expenses incurred during a shutdown are later charged to the relevant agency’s permanent budget once regular funding resumes.