New Bill Would Ensure Coast Guard Pay During Government Shutdowns

The United States Coast Guard serves a vital role in protecting America’s waters and borders. However, during past government shutdowns, members of the Coast Guard have faced pay disruption despite being required to continue working. To prevent this in the future, a new bipartisan bill called the “Pay Our Coast Guard Act” was recently introduced in Congress. This legislation aims to guarantee pay for Coast Guard servicemembers in the event of funding gaps.

Background of the Pay Our Coast Guard Act

The Pay Our Coast Guard Act was introduced in the Senate on September 13, 2023 by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) An identical companion bill (H.R 2693) was introduced in the House by Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Don Young (R-AK) in May 2023.

This bill would amend current laws regarding military pay to ensure Coast Guard members continue receiving pay during lapses in appropriations It comes after Coast Guardsmen worked over a month without pay during the 2018-2019 government shutdown until a stopgap funding measure was passed

Key Provisions of the Legislation

The Pay Our Coast Guard Act contains several main provisions to guarantee pay for the Coast Guard during shutdowns:

• Appropriates funding for pay, allowances, benefits, and other compensation for all active duty, reserve, and civilian Coast Guard employees.

• Ensures pay continuity for Coast Guard members and employees if an annual appropriations bill for their service has not passed, but the Department of Defense funding bill has.

• Makes pay and benefits available until regular appropriations are enacted or the authorization ends

• Allows expenditures to be charged retroactively to the applicable Coast Guard appropriation once funding is restored.

• Exempts shutdown pay appropriations from apportionment time limits.

• Defines “civilian employee” to include excepted and furloughed employees.

Why the Coast Guard Deserves Pay Equity

The Coast Guard is a military service that protects America’s maritime interests and borders. Its motto is “Semper Paratus” meaning “Always Ready.” Coast Guard members must remain on duty to defend the nation regardless of whether government funding is available.

Some key reasons the Coast Guard deserves pay equity with other armed services during shutdowns:

• Coast Guardsmen stay on mission conducting search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, border security, environmental response, and other essential operations.

• Halting paychecks creates severe financial strain for members who rely on that income to support families.

• Lack of pay hurts morale when servicemembers must keep working without getting paid.

• Coast Guardsmen should not be penalized because of unrelated budget disputes in Congress.

• Military personnel in other branches have pay protection, so Coast Guardsmen deserve equal treatment.

Bipartisan Support for the Bill

The Pay Our Coast Guard Act has received strong bipartisan support in Congress. Coast Guard authorization bills typically pass each year with backing from both Republicans and Democrats who want to support the service.

Leaders from both parties recognize that failing to pay Coast Guard members on time is unacceptable. Many lawmakers have military experience themselves or represent coastal states where constituents serve in the Coast Guard.

Providing pay continuity simply allows Coast Guardsmen to focus on their duties rather than financial uncertainty. It is a practical solution that honors their sacrifices.

Path Forward for Passage into Law

Now that the Pay Our Coast Guard Act has been introduced, it must pass through the standard legislative process to become law. Key steps include:

• Getting assigned to relevant committees (likely Armed Services) for review in the House and Senate

• Going through the markup process and revisions

• Getting scheduled for votes on the House and Senate floors

• Passing a final identical version through both chambers

• Getting signed by the President into law

This legislation already has momentum with bipartisan sponsorship. Congress will likely schedule it for votes either as a standalone bill or incorporated into the annual Coast Guard Reauthorization Act.

Providing pay protection is critical to supporting the brave men and women serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. This bill would rightfully guarantee paychecks during future shutdowns so they can focus on the mission. Its passage would demonstrate that Congress has Coast Guardsmen’s backs.