Austin News

U.S. Senate Commerce Committee leaders have reintroduced the Pay Our Coast Guard Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at ensuring that Coast Guard personnel receive pay and allowances during government shutdowns. The legislation was put forward by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.).

The bill seeks to provide the same financial protections for Coast Guard members as those afforded to other branches of the armed services in case of funding lapses. The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and was not included in previous stopgap measures that covered only the Department of Defense (DoD).

Senator Cruz emphasized, "Our bipartisan Pay Our Coast Guard Act simply treats Coast Guardsmen the same as all other service members and ensures they receive their pay and benefits if there is a government shutdown." He noted the significant presence of over 2,000 Coast Guard personnel in Texas who are vital for safeguarding ports and patrolling waterways.

Senator Cantwell added, "This commonsense legislation would ensure that Coast Guard members receive their paycheck in the event of a government shutdown, just like the other members of the armed forces."

Senator Wicker remarked on the importance of recognizing the role of the Coast Guard within national defense: "The Coast Guard is an integral part of our national defense, and guardsmen should never feel that their livelihood could be threatened by political gridlock."

Senator Sullivan reiterated his support for providing certainty to service members: "They should never have to worry about missing a paycheck due to Washington gridlock."

Senator Baldwin stressed the sacrifices made by service members across the country: "Across the country, Coasties make sacrifices every day to serve and protect our country, and it is crucial they get the pay and benefits they are owed—no matter the dysfunction in Washington."

The proposed legislation aims to cover active duty personnel, reservists on active service during funding gaps, civilian personnel, contractors supporting the Coast Guard, and dependents. It includes provisions for death gratuity, funeral travel reimbursement, dignified transfer of remains, unit memorial services, and temporary housing allowance continuation.

Previously introduced during Congress's 118th session but blocked by Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), this bill comes after lessons learned from past government shutdowns where DoD personnel were paid while their DHS counterparts were not.