Bills · HR 1542
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1542Transportation and Public Works
Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025
INTRO FEB 24· LAST ACTION FEB 24
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
67
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a recurring issue where Coast Guard service members, unlike other branches of the military, have sometimes gone without pay during government shutdowns. Because the Coast Guard is housed within the Department of Homeland Security, its funding can lapse even when the Department of Defense (which funds the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines) is fully funded or operating under a continuing resolution. This creates financial instability and morale issues for Coast Guard families who are performing vital national security and maritime safety duties.
If this bill becomes law, Coast Guard personnel would have more financial security during partial government shutdowns where other military branches are still paid. It would offer a temporary safety net, ensuring they can continue to pay bills and support their families without interruption for up to two weeks. If it doesn't pass, they will remain vulnerable to losing pay during future funding gaps, potentially impacting their ability to serve and their families' well-being. It seeks to bring their pay continuity in line with the rest of the Armed Forces during specific budget impasses.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Automatically provides funding for military pay and allowances for Coast Guard members (active and reserve) during a specific type of government shutdown.
Ensures Coast Guard service members continue to be paid, preventing financial hardship during budget impasses.
PROVISION 02
Extends pay and benefits to qualified civilian and contract employees of the Coast Guard during the same funding lapse.
Maintains critical support functions and protects essential civilian and contractor personnel from financial instability.
PROVISION 03
Ensures death gratuities, funeral travel, and temporary housing allowances continue for families of deceased Coast Guard members during a funding lapse.
Provides essential support to grieving families during an already difficult time, ensuring no lapse in crucial benefits.
PROVISION 04
Defines a "Coast Guard-specific funding lapse" as occurring only when the Coast Guard lacks funding, but the Department of Defense *is* funded.
Clarifies the specific conditions under which this automatic pay provision would be activated, ensuring it only applies to situations where the Coast Guard is uniquely unfunded compared to other military branches.
PROVISION 05
Specifies that this automatic funding terminates after two weeks, or when regular appropriations are enacted, whichever comes first.
Provides a temporary bridge for pay while encouraging Congress to resolve the underlying funding issue.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 67
D· Michigan
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
49
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 29%
DEM 57 REP 10 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSFEB 24
Introduced in House
FEB 24
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
FEB 24
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1542
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 24, 2025
Last actionFeb 24, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 24, 2025
House BillHR 1542Transportation and Public Works
Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025
INTRODUCED FEB 24, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 24, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
67
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
