Should Military & National Security Personnel Get Paid During Gov’t Shutdowns While Congress’s Pay is Withheld? (H.R. 4852)

What is H.R. 4852?

(Updated September 24, 2020)

This bill ― known as the Pay our Protectors Not Our Politicians Act of 2018 ― would provide pay for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel performing national security activities during a government shutdown.  It’d also prohibit members of Congress from receiving pay during any period when appropriations have lapsed prior to January 1, 2019.

Specifically, it’d provide for the pay and allowances of:

• Members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, on active duty;

• Members of the reserves performing inactive duty training;

• Civilian personnel or contractors of the Dept. of Defense and DHS who provide support to members of the Armed Forces;

• DHS employees performing national security activities.

Funding would also be provided during a government shutdown for payments related to:

• Death gratuities;

• Funeral and burial expenses;

• Authorized funeral travel or travel related to the dignified transfer of remains and unit memorial services;

• The temporary continuation of a basic housing allowance for dependants of members who died on active duty.

Because Congress can’t cut or increase the pay of the current Congress, pay would be withheld during any government shutdown occurring during the 115th Congress and released at the end of the Congress.

Argument in favor

The U.S. can’t afford to have military operations be affected by a government shutdown. Men and women involved in such operations should be fully compensated for their service and not be affected by partisan squabbles.

Argument opposed

As federal employees, military personnel should be held to the same standards as any other government employee and exempting them from the consequences of a shutdown would make shutdowns less politically costly.

Impact

Members of the armed forces, civilian personnel and contractors of the DOD and DHS who are providing support to the military,DHS employees who are performing national security activities, members of Congress.

Cost of H.R. 4852

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ) introduced this bill to ensure troops and DHS national security personnel get paid during a government shutdown while members of Congress have their pay withheld:

“Our military and federal law enforcement, including the agents and officers along the border, continue to get paid during a government shutdown. These brave Americans are willing to protect this nation with their lives—a priceless cost. The very least we can do is ensure they and their families can continue to pay for groceries and rent while politicians figure out this mess in DC.”

The bill has the support of 49 cosponsors, including 48 Republicans and one Democrat. The bill was introduced prior to a government funding deadline in early 2018 which resulted in a government shutdown.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep.Martha McSally (R-AZ) Press Release