H.R. 5924: Pay Our Capitol Police Act

The "Pay Our Capitol Police Act" is legislation aimed at ensuring the United States Capitol Police can continue to function during periods when there is a government shutdown or when regular appropriations are not in place. Here’s a breakdown of the main provisions of the bill:

Purpose

The bill provides financial support specifically for the Capitol Police, using funds that are already in the U.S. Treasury but are not yet appropriated for other purposes. This support is intended to ensure that the Capitol Police can continue their operations without interruption during times of budget uncertainty.

Key Provisions

• Funding for Salaries and Benefits: The bill appropriates necessary sums to cover salaries and benefits for Capitol Police personnel deemed essential during a government shutdown. This includes:
  • Salaries, including overtime
  • Hazardous duty pay
  • Government contributions for health and retirement plans
  • Social security contributions
  • Professional liability insurance and tuition reimbursement
  • Recruitment and retention bonuses
• Coverage for Contractors: The bill also allocates funding to pay contractors who support the Capitol Police under similar emergency conditions.
• Continuing Appropriations: The appropriations made under this bill are only available for as long as there is no other continuing funding in effect for the Capitol Police, preventing overlap with any other government funding sources.
• Future Budget Charges: Any expenditure made under this legislation will be counted against future appropriations, ensuring that these costs are reflected in the next budget process.

Duration of Provisions

The funding and authority granted by this bill will remain in effect until one of the following events occurs:

• The enactment of a permanent budget for the Capitol Police through September 30, 2026.
• The passing of a general budget for the legislative branch that does not include provisions for the Capitol Police.
• The date of September 30, 2026, whichever comes first.

Effective Date

The Act would take effect as if it were enacted on October 1, 2025. It also includes a provision that allows for quick payment of salaries and allowances for the period from October 1, 2025, until the Act is officially enacted.

Special Considerations

There are mechanisms in place to ensure that the Capitol Police can receive necessary funds promptly, thereby allowing them to maintain their readiness and operational capability even during budgetary disruptions.

Relevant Companies

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