CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA)

Pay Our Troops Act of 2026

H.R. 5401 · House bill Armed Forces and National Security

A Republican bill with 81 Democratic cosponsors · See all 210 cosponsors

Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.

In committee

Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.

The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill, titled the "Pay Our Troops Act of 2026," aims to provide continuous funding for military pay during a government shutdown. It appropriates necessary sums for fiscal year 2026 if full-year or interim appropriations are not in effect. The funds cover pay and allowances for members of the Armed Forces and reserve components. It also covers civilian personnel and contractors providing support to these members, as determined by the relevant Secretary. The authority ends when regular appropriations are enacted or on January 1, 2027.

Yes· 3 of 4

  • Scored +1

    Would households on low incomes be better off under this?

    The bill ensures continued income for military personnel and civilian support staff during potential government shutdowns.

  • Scored +1

    Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?

    The bill protects the pay and allowances of active and reserve service members during funding lapses.

  • Scored +1

    Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?

    The bill ensures pay and allowances are maintained for active service members and reserves during a funding gap.

The opposite

  • Scored -1

    Does this reduce what the federal government spends?

    The bill provides new appropriation authority that increases government spending if a shutdown occurs.