Sponsors (28)
Introduced October 30, 2025 by Christopher A. Coons · Last progress October 30, 2025
The bill preserves pay and operational continuity for military and intelligence personnel during FY2026 funding gaps—protecting readiness and avoiding disruptions—but shifts short-term costs to taxpayers, reduces some congressional oversight, and may weaken incentives to promptly complete appropriations.
Service members and DoD/Coast Guard/ODNI/CIA civilian employees will continue to receive pay during any FY2026 funding lapse, protecting household finances, reducing turnover, and maintaining military readiness.
Intelligence agencies, their federal staff, and government contractors can continue operations and hiring because FY2026 intelligence funding is treated as specifically authorized until a separate authorization law is passed, avoiding operational delays.
Taxpayers may bear increased near-term federal outlays because the Treasury can cover pay without a prior appropriation, raising unallocated spending.
Guaranteeing pay during funding lapses reduces immediate pressure on lawmakers to resolve appropriations, which could lessen incentives to quickly pass funding and increase the risk of prolonged or recurring shutdown-style uncertainty.
Authorizing substantial intelligence spending without a standalone Intelligence Authorization Act limits normal congressional oversight and scrutiny of intelligence programs.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Provides FY2026 funding from the Treasury as needed to ensure members of the Armed Forces and specified federal civilian employees continue to receive pay and allowances during any lapse in appropriations. Also temporarily treats funds for intelligence and intelligence-related activities as "specifically authorized by the Congress" for FY2026 until the FY2026 Intelligence Authorization Act is enacted, and sets an expiration rule for the authority.