House Republicans act to secure military pay amid shutdown fears

House Republicans are taking steps to ensure that military service members will continue to receive their paychecks in the event of a partial government shutdown. Rep. Jen Kiggans from Virginia is reintroducing her Pay Our Troops Act, which has garnered support from 20 lawmakers, including 16 Republicans and four Democrats. This initiative comes after a failed attempt to pass a continuing resolution to extend current funding levels, which was defeated by a coalition of House GOP lawmakers. The urgency of this legislation is heightened by the approaching deadline of September 30, when federal funding must be agreed upon to prevent a shutdown. Kiggans, a veteran herself, emphasized the importance of reassuring military personnel that their financial stability will not be compromised amid the uncertainty surrounding government funding. Her previous version of the bill had significant backing, with 118 co-sponsors, indicating strong bipartisan support for protecting military pay. The proposed legislation aims to cover all branches of the military, including the Coast Guard, which has previously been excluded from funding protections during shutdowns. Additionally, it extends protections to essential defense contractors and civilians associated with military services. Kiggans expressed disappointment over the inability to pass funding bills in a timely manner and highlighted the need for Congress to prioritize these issues rather than resorting to last-minute solutions. As the situation develops, Kiggans indicated that her bill may only be brought to a vote if a shutdown appears imminent, reflecting the ongoing challenges in reaching a consensus on federal funding among lawmakers.