Legislation aimed at guaranteeing military pay during government shutdowns is being pushed by a Virginia representative to protect service members from financial instability.
Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., a former Navy helicopter pilot, reintroduced the Pay Our Troops Act, which aims to protect the paychecks of active duty and reserve members of the Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard. Certain Department of Defense civilian employees and contractors are also included.
Kiggans emphasized the importance of ensuring military pay for families from the consequences of political gridlock.
“Dysfunction in Washington should never force our servicemembers to go without a paycheck,” she stated. “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.”
Kiggans continued, “When we take care of our Armed Forces, we also fortify our national security. As Congress works to avoid a government shutdown, my legislation will give our troops the financial certainty they deserve to ensure they remain a lethal fighting force. As a Navy veteran, Navy spouse, and Navy Mom, I will always be the loudest voice to protect our men and women in uniform and their families.”
The bill’s introduction comes amid the looming possibility of a government shutdown. Congress has until March 14, 2025, to reach a funding agreement.
Many federal employees face furloughs during shutdowns, and military personnel are typically required to continue their duties without pay until appropriations are restored, leading to financial hardships. Kiggans noted if not passed, it would be “disastrous for recruitment, retention, and readiness, threatening America’s national security.”
The Pay Our Troops Act would see available funds remain available until either the passage of a Continuing Resolution that includes fiscal year 2025, funding for the DoD, the enhancement of an appropriations bill funding the DoD, or until Jan. 1, 2026.
The bill received endorsements from several military and veteran organizations, such as the National Defense Committee, American Legion, Blue Star Families, Military Officers Association of America, National Guard Association of the United States, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
A government shutdown could significantly impact Virginia’s economy, which relies on more than 140,000 federal employees. According to the Commonwealth Institute, a prolonged shutdown could affect not only federal employees but the estimated 375,000 federal contractors in the region, who don’t typically receive backpay after shutdowns unless “their employer provides it despite not getting reimbursed by the federal government.”
During the 35-day shutdown in 2019, TCI states that the Washington D.C. region lost an estimated $1.6 billion in economic activity.
