Ensures Coast Guard members receive pay and benefits during funding lapses, comparable to other armed forces, by providing continued funding for salaries, benefits, and essential services.
Hillary Scholten
Representative
MI-3
The "Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025" ensures that Coast Guard members receive equitable pay and benefits compared to other branches of the Armed Forces. During a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse, the bill guarantees continued pay for Coast Guard military members, qualified civilian and contract employees, death gratuities, funeral travel, and basic housing allowance for dependents of Coast Guard members who die on active duty. This funding continues as long as Department of Defense funding is available, up to two weeks after a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse begins. The bill affirms the Coast Guard as a military service and aims to provide financial security to its members during funding uncertainties.
Coast Guard Pay Guaranteed Even During Budget Battles: New Bill Ensures Funding Parity
The "Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025" makes sure Coast Guard members and essential civilian employees get paid, even if there's a budget showdown that specifically impacts Coast Guard funding. This isn't about general government shutdowns; it kicks in when the Department of Defense is funded, but the Coast Guard's separate budget isn't finalized before the fiscal year starts (SEC. 3). Think of it as fixing a loophole that could leave the Coast Guard out in the cold.
Bridging the Budget Gap
This act steps in to guarantee pay and benefits for active duty and reserve Coast Guard members, plus the civilian and contract workers who directly support them (SEC. 3). It also makes sure that if a Coast Guard member dies on duty, their family receives death benefits, funeral support, and continued housing allowances (SEC. 3). This is about treating the Coast Guard like the military branch it is, ensuring they have the same financial protections as other Armed Forces (SEC. 2).
Real-World Ripple Effects
Imagine a Coast Guard family in a coastal town. The service member is out on patrol, and back home, their spouse relies on that steady paycheck for rent, groceries, and childcare. If a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse hits, this bill prevents that family from suddenly losing their income. It's not just about paychecks; it's about keeping Coast Guard operations running smoothly. Think search and rescue missions, drug interdiction, and port security – all of which rely on dedicated personnel who need to know they'll be paid (SEC. 3).
Keeping it Fair, Keeping it Limited
This isn't a blank check. The extra funding only lasts until a proper Coast Guard budget is passed, the Department of Defense funding ends, or two weeks pass, whichever comes first (SEC. 3). It’s also important who counts as a 'qualified' civilian or contract employee. The bill defines them as those who directly support the Coast Guard or other Armed Forces, or those absolutely needed during a funding lapse. This is to make sure the right people are covered, without opening the door to unnecessary spending (SEC. 3).