WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) reintroduced the Pay Our Troops Act, legislation to ensure members of the military are paid in the event of a government shutdown. The bill will protect members of the military, including the Coast Guard, as well as certain U.S. Department of Defense civilian employees and contractors should Congress fail to provide temporary or full-year federal funding by September 30, 2024.
Currently, if the government shuts down without a funding bill for the Department of Defense signed into law, those serving in our Armed Forces will not receive their paychecks. Only those deemed “essential” would receive back pay once a shutdown ends and new federal funding is approved. Virginia’s Second Congressional District is home to the largest active-duty military population in the U.S., hosting our Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base as well as Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. Congresswoman Kiggans is a former Navy helicopter pilot who has a long history of military service in her family.
“The men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our country should never go without a paycheck,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “At a time when inflation continues to hurt our military families, it’s unacceptable that they have to worry about losing their income because of dysfunction in Washington. As we continue working to keep the government open, my bill will give our troops the financial certainty they deserve. It is the privilege of a lifetime to fight on behalf of our servicemembers here in Congress and protect them, just as they protect us.”
Specifically, the Pay Our Troops Act would make available such sums from the Treasury as are necessary to provide pay for our Armed Forces as well as civilian employees and contractors of the Department of Defense whose responsibilities are determined by the Secretary of Defense to contribute to the mission execution, well-being, and readiness of the Armed Forces. According to the Pentagon, there are about 804,000 civilian defense employees. Roughly 166,000 of those employees do not rely on congressional funding and would continue to work during a shutdown. Almost 200,000 would be required to work without pay because they are considered “necessary to protect life and property.”
The Pay Our Troops Act is cosponsored by Representatives Kat Cammack (FL-03), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Don Davis (NC-01), Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Sam Graves (MO-06), Jared Golden (ME-02), Tom Kean (NJ-07), Young Kim (CA-40), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Brian Mast (FL-21), Rich McCormick (GA-06), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Michael Rulli (OH-06), Dale Strong (AL-05), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), and Brandon Williams (NY-22).
The legislation has been endorsed by the American Legion, Blue Star Families, Navy League of the United States, National Military Family Association, Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association for the United States Coast Guard, Military Officers Association of America, and Sea Service Family.
Congresswoman Kiggans first introduced the legislation last year ahead of the federal funding deadline on September 30, 2023. H.R. 5641, which would have ensured military members continued to receive paychecks during Fiscal Year 2024 in the event of a government shutdown, garnered 118 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle.
In times of political gridlock, our brave servicemembers shouldn’t have to worry about putting food on the table. Yet, when Washington fails to pass a budget, those who sacrifice everything for our nation are often left wondering if their next paycheck will arrive. Let’s dive into the ongoing efforts to shield our military from the fallout of government shutdowns.
The Latest Push to Protect Military Paychecks
On March 6, 2025, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) reintroduced the Pay Our Troops Act – legislation designed to ensure military members receive their paychecks even if the government shuts down. As a former Navy helicopter pilot herself, Kiggans understands firsthand what’s at stake.
“Dysfunction in Washington should never force our servicemembers to go without a paycheck,” Kiggans stated firmly. “These men and women put their lives on the line to protect our country – it is our responsibility to ensure they can provide for their families and put food on their tables.”
The bill comes at a critical time with a looming March 14 2025 deadline for Congress to pass either temporary or full-year appropriations that include Department of Defense funding.
What Does the Pay Our Troops Act Actually Do?
This important legislation directs existing unappropriated Treasury funds for FY25 to ensure payment for
- Members of the US Armed Forces on both active and reserve duty
- Coast Guard personnel
- Civilian employees and DoD contractors designated by the Secretary of Defense as supporting the Armed Forces
The funds would remain available until one of these conditions is met:
- A Continuing Resolution is passed that includes FY25 funding for DoD
- An appropriations bill funding the DoD is passed
- January 1, 2026 arrives
History of Military Pay Protection During Shutdowns
This isn’t the first time Congress has had to address this issue. The Pay Our Military Act (H.R. 3210) was signed into law on September 30, 2013, just hours before a government shutdown began. That law appropriated funds for fiscal year 2014 to pay members of the Armed Forces during the shutdown period.
Despite previous legislation, gaps in protection remain. During the 2019 shutdown, approximately 50,000 Coast Guard employees – including about 42,000 active duty servicemembers – went without pay for 35 days. This created significant hardship for many military families.
Congresswoman Kiggans has been persistent in her efforts, having originally introduced similar legislation in September 2023 and again in September 2024. Both previous bills (H.R.5641 and H.R.9699) received strong bipartisan support.
Why This Matters So Much
The need for this legislation is underscored by some sobering statistics:
- According to the DoD, one in four military servicemembers experience “low food security”
- These figures don’t include spouses, children, reservists or their families
- Virginia’s Second Congressional District (which Kiggans represents) has the largest active-duty military population in the U.S.
When servicemembers worry about making ends meet, it affects more than just individual families – it impacts military readiness and national security. The stress of financial uncertainty can be devastating for those already carrying the burden of protecting our nation.
Broad Support Across Military Organizations
The Pay Our Troops Act has garnered endorsements from numerous respected military organizations:
- National Defense Committee
- American Legion
- Bluestar Families
- Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
- National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS)
- Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
This widespread support demonstrates the critical importance of ensuring military pay continuity during governmental funding gaps.
Recent Developments in Military Pay Protection
In October 2025, we’ve seen continued efforts to protect not just active military personnel but also those who support them. Representatives Kiggans, Goodlander, and Pappas introduced the bipartisan Pay Our Public Shipyard Workers Act to ensure civilian and military workforces at America’s public shipyards continue to be paid during shutdowns.
Additionally, the Republican Women’s Caucus recently sent a letter urging Senate Democrats to end the current shutdown and protect women, children, and military families by supporting a bipartisan continuing resolution.
What Can We Do To Help?
As citizens concerned about the welfare of our military personnel, we can:
- Contact our representatives to express support for legislation that protects military pay
- Raise awareness about how shutdowns impact military families
- Support organizations that provide assistance to military families during financial hardships
- Remember this issue when voting for congressional representatives
The Bottom Line
Our troops make incredible sacrifices every day. They miss birthdays, holidays, and countless precious moments with loved ones. They put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe. The very least we can do is ensure they don’t have to worry about whether their families can pay the rent or buy groceries because of political wrangling in Washington.
As Congresswoman Kiggans put it, “When we take care of our Armed Forces, we also fortify our national security.” It’s not just the right thing to do for our servicemembers – it’s essential for maintaining America’s military readiness and national defense.
The Pay Our Troops Act represents a crucial step toward ensuring that those who defend our freedom aren’t left vulnerable when political deadlocks occur. I believe we owe it to them to make sure this protection becomes permanent.
For more information about the Pay Our Troops Act, you can find the full bill text and a one-pager on Congresswoman Kiggans’ website.
What do you think about this legislation? Have you or someone you know been affected by pay disruptions during previous shutdowns? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Note: This article was last updated on October 13, 2025, to reflect the most current information about legislation protecting military pay during government shutdowns.
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FAQ
Do veterans get paid during government shutdown?
VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.
What is the Military Pay Protection Act?
The Private Sector Military Leave Pay Protection Act (“MLPPA” or “Ordinance”) requires certain employers to provide employees with supplemental paid leave for up to 30 days of military duty. The San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement administers and enforces the Ordinance’s paid leave requirements.
Do military soldiers have to pay for emergency leave?
Emergency leave is leave that is taken in response to a family or other emergency situation. Emergency leave is usually authorized very quickly. Emergency leave is paid leave that is chargeable against your leave balance.
Will the military get paid this month?
Typically, military members are paid twice a month, on the 1st and 15th. If these dates fall on a weekend or federal holiday, the pay date shifts to the previous business day.
