The "Pay Our Military Act of 2025" ensures continued pay and allowances for members of the Armed Forces, essential civilian Department of Defense personnel, and supporting contractors during periods without regular budget appropriations through January 1, 2026.
Dan Sullivan
Senator
AK
The Pay Our Military Act of 2025 ensures that members of the Armed Forces, essential civilian Department of Defense personnel, and supporting contractors continue to receive their pay and allowances during periods when regular budget appropriations are lacking. This act provides funding for these individuals through fiscal year 2025, or until a regular appropriation bill is passed, or January 1, 2026. The Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security are responsible for overseeing these provisions for their respective departments.
Pay Our Military Act Creates Funding Backstop for Troops, DoD Staff, and Contractors Through 2025 Budget Gaps
Congress is considering the 'Pay Our Military Act of 2025,' a bill designed to prevent pay disruptions for the military and associated personnel if regular government funding isn't approved on time for Fiscal Year 2025. Essentially, it sets up a temporary, automatic funding stream specifically for paychecks and allowances.
How the Safety Net Works
This isn't a blank check; it's a targeted measure. Section 2 appropriates funds specifically for the pay and allowances of active-duty Armed Forces members (including reserves), the civilian Department of Defense (DoD) employees who support them, and even DoD contractors providing essential services. Think of it like an emergency fund that only activates if the main budget process stalls. The money covers costs incurred during any period in Fiscal Year 2025 (which starts October 1, 2024) when standard appropriations laws haven't been enacted. It ensures that service members, from soldiers overseas to the Coast Guard personnel under the Department of Homeland Security, continue receiving their pay without interruption due to political gridlock.
When the Funding Stops
The bill includes clear off-ramps. According to Section 3, this special funding automatically terminates under a few conditions: once a regular defense appropriations bill (or a broader government funding bill covering these personnel) is signed into law, or if a funding bill is passed that specifically excludes these appropriations. Regardless, the authority expires on January 1, 2026. This ensures the measure is temporary and doesn't replace the normal budget process indefinitely.
The Real-World Impact
For military families, DoD civilians, and contractors covered by this, the bill aims to provide peace of mind. Past government shutdowns have caused significant financial stress and uncertainty for those who rely on these paychecks. This legislation acts as a specific safeguard, ensuring that even if budget negotiations drag on, the people directly involved in national defense operations and their support systems won't face immediate paycheck interruptions. It focuses solely on maintaining pay and allowances, keeping personnel financially stable and potentially mitigating impacts on military readiness during funding gaps.