Pay Our Troops Act of 2026

This bill ensures that military pay continues during a government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. It authorizes “as much as needed” to keep paying active-duty service members, plus certain civilian workers and contractors who support them. This also covers the Coast Guard when it falls under the Department of Homeland Security. These payments keep going until Congress passes regular funding or until January 1, 2027, whichever comes first .

Key points:

• Who is covered: active-duty members of the Armed Forces; civilian staff and contractors supporting them; Coast Guard personnel when under Homeland Security.
• When it applies: only during a government shutdown affecting FY2026 funding.
• End date: ends once normal funding is enacted or by January 1, 2027, whichever comes first.