During a government shutdown, members of the U.S. Armed Services are required to continue their duties without pay, which can create financial challenges and impact military recruitment and readiness. In response to this issue, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) has cosponsored H.R. 5401, known as the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026. The bill aims to ensure that service members receive their pay on schedule during periods when the federal government is shut down.
“Our nation’s warriors selflessly serve our nation. As a member of Congress, it is my solemn duty to honor their service and heroism. That’s why I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this legislation to pay our troops and ensure the men and women who are on the front lines do not suffer financial distress as a result of Washington’s dysfunction,” said Congressman Bean.
H.R. 5401 would use existing unappropriated Treasury funds for fiscal year 2026 to pay active duty and reserve members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard. It also covers civilian employees and Department of Defense contractors designated by the Secretary of Defense as supporting the Armed Forces. The funding would remain available until a continuing resolution or appropriations bill for the Department of Defense is passed, or until January 1, 2027.
Aaron Bean has represented Florida’s 4th district in Congress since 2023 after succeeding John Rutherford. He previously served in both chambers of Florida’s legislature between 2000 and 2022 and holds a degree from Jacksonville University earned in 1989.
The full text of H.R. 5401 can be found HERE.
