Bills · HR 5398
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5398Economics and Public Finance
Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026
INTRO SEP 16· LAST ACTION SEP 16
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
24
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 to voters because it addresses the real-world impact of government shutdowns on essential services and the individuals who provide them. When the government shuts down, many federal employees, including those vital for national security, are forced to work without pay or are furloughed, leading to financial stress and potential disruption of critical operations. This bill seeks to prevent that scenario for a specific group of homeland defenders.
If this bill becomes law, DHS law enforcement and Coast Guard personnel would have financial certainty during a shutdown in 2026 or 2027, potentially improving morale and reducing the risk of personnel leaving critical positions. If it doesn't become law, these workers would remain vulnerable to unpaid work or furloughs during a shutdown, which could impact their ability to perform their duties effectively and reliably, potentially affecting national security and public safety.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Ensures pay for Department of Homeland Security law enforcement personnel during a government shutdown in fiscal years 2026 or 2027.
This prevents financial hardship for essential law enforcement officers who would otherwise work without pay during a shutdown.
PROVISION 02
Provides pay and allowances for any other DHS employees or contractors deemed necessary by the Secretary of Homeland Security during such a shutdown.
This covers critical support staff (like payroll and administrative personnel) whose work is essential to keep the department functioning even during a shutdown.
PROVISION 03
Guarantees pay for members, civilian personnel, and contractors of the United States Coast Guard during a government shutdown in fiscal years 2026 or 2027.
This ensures that vital maritime safety and defense operations can continue uninterrupted without financial burden on Coast Guard personnel.
PROVISION 04
Specifies that the special funding for pay and expenses will end when regular appropriations are enacted or by January 1, 2027.
This sets clear boundaries for when this emergency funding mechanism is active, preventing it from becoming a permanent workaround.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 24
R· Michigan
YRS IN OFFICE
15
BILLS LED
35
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 8%
DEM 1 REP 23 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSSEP 16
Introduced in House
SEP 16
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 5398
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 16, 2025
Last actionSep 16, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 16, 2025
House BillHR 5398Economics and Public Finance
Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026
INTRODUCED SEP 16, 2025· LAST ACTION SEP 16, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
24
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
