H.R. 1542: Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025, aims to ensure that members of the United States Coast Guard, including both military personnel and certain civilians, receive their pay and benefits even during periods when federal appropriations are not in effect specifically for the Coast Guard. Here are the key points of the bill:

Key Provisions

• Coast Guard Pay Continuation: The bill amends Title 14 of the United States Code to establish provisions that allow for the continuation of pay and benefits for active duty Coast Guard members, qualified civilian employees, and qualified contract employees during a funding lapse.
• Funding Mechanism: During a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse, the bill appropriates necessary funds to cover:
  • Pay and allowances for military members, including reservists.
  • Pay and benefits for qualified civilian employees.
  • Pay and benefits for qualified contract employees.
  • Auxiliary expenses such as death gratuities, funeral travel reimbursements, and housing allowances for dependents of deceased members.
• Definition of Funding Lapse: A Coast Guard-specific funding lapse is defined as a situation where a general appropriation bill for the Coast Guard is not enacted before the fiscal year begins, and the Department of Defense has an appropriation bill in effect.
• Duration of Funding Availability: The appropriated funds for continuity of pay are available until:
  • The enactment of a new appropriation for the Coast Guard.
  • The enactment of continuing appropriations without funds for the Coast Guard.
  • The termination of Department of Defense funding availability.
  • Two weeks after the beginning of the funding lapse.
• Operational Rates: Appropriations under this section shall be applied at a rate provided by the relevant appropriations act.
• Charge to Future Appropriations: Any expenses incurred under this act will be charged to future appropriations once they are enacted.

Employee Eligibility

• Qualified Civilian Employees: These are civilian personnel determined by the Coast Guard Commandant to be supporting military functions or engaged in emergency work.
• Qualified Contract Employees: Individuals working under contract for the Coast Guard, as determined by the Commandant, who support military members or are required to work during funding lapses.

Clerical Amendment

The bill also includes a clerical amendment that updates the title of Chapter 27 in Title 14 of the United States Code to reflect the new provision regarding pay during lapses in appropriations.

Public Perception

Overall, this legislation is aimed at providing financial stability to Coast Guard personnel during times when funding for their services may be interrupted, ensuring that they continue to receive compensation and support.

Relevant Companies