Pappas Helps Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Guarantee Military Pay During Government Shutdowns

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) helped reintroduce the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026. This bipartisan legislation ensures that members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those serving in the Coast Guard, continue to receive pay and benefits in the event of a government shutdown.

“Members of the armed forces defend our nation and our way of life every day, and we owe it to them to ensure they and their families never experience hardship as a result of political dysfunction in Washington,” said Congressman Pappas. “House Republicans continue to engage in a partisan process that is driving us towards a shutdown that threatens the well-being of thousands of New Hampshire active duty and reserve personnel who would be forced to work without pay in the event of a government shutdown. This legislation guarantees that those who serve and defend our nation never miss a paycheck, no matter what happens in Washington.”

In the 118th Congress, the Pay Our Troops Act earned the support of more than 100 bipartisan cosponsors, including members of the House Armed Services and Appropriations Committees. With the possibility of future shutdowns, the legislation reaffirms a simple principle: those who serve our nation in uniform should never be caught in the middle of Washington’s political stalemates.

The National Military Family Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, United Steelworkers, Blue Star Families, and the Military Officers Association of America support this legislation.

“Our servicemembers should never have to question whether they will receive a paycheck for standing guard over our nation. The Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 is a common-sense, bipartisan measure that ensures those in uniform, as well as the civilians and contractors who support them, are protected from the political uncertainty of government shutdowns. At IAVA, we strongly support this legislation because it reaffirms a simple truth: when our troops uphold their promise to serve, our nation must uphold its promise to pay them,” said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). 

“Our military is willing to do their job for the country, which often puts their lives at risk. We just ask that Congress do their job to keep the government running and get us paid,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO, Blue Star Families.

“The Pay Our Troops Act ensures our servicemembers are paid on time, even if government funding stalls,” said Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), President and CEO of MOAA. “As they continue to stand watch and defend our nation, they should never have to wonder whether their paychecks will arrive. This legislation provides the financial certainty military families deserve, protecting them from the instability of government shutdowns while they protect us.”

“Financial stability shouldn’t be on the line while military families must continue to serve. Military families deserve the paychecks, benefits, and the safety nets they rely on to make ends meet and service possible. We urge Congress to pass the Pay Our Troops Act immediately and show our service members and their families their sacrifice is worth it,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association.