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H.R. 5401: Pay Our Troops Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026, aims to ensure that military personnel, civilian staff, and certain contractors receive their pay during a government shutdown in the fiscal year 2026. The key provisions of the bill are as follows:

1. Appropriation of Funds

The bill authorizes the allocation of necessary funds for the following groups during any period when appropriate federal funding is not in effect:

Active-duty members of the Armed Forces, including their reserve components.
Civilian personnel working for the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard who support these military members.
Contractors working with the Department of Defense and Coast Guard who are providing support to military personnel.

2. Definitions

The bill defines Secretaries concerned as:

The Secretary of Defense for matters dealing with the Department of Defense.
The Secretary of Homeland Security for matters relating to the Coast Guard.

3. Duration of Appropriations

Funds provided through this bill are available until one of the following occurs:

An appropriation bill for the fiscal year is enacted, providing for the same expenses.
A continuing appropriations resolution is passed that does not include funding for the same purpose.
Until January 1, 2027, if no prior conditions are met.

4. Intent

The intent of the bill is to ensure that there is no disruption in pay for military personnel and associated civilian and contractor support staff in the event of a government shutdown, which could impact their financial stability.