US Federal Senate Bill SB802

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Pay Our Coast Guard Act

Summary

SB 802, the “Pay Our Coast Guard Act,” would create a standing appropriation mechanism to ensure Coast Guard personnel are paid during a Coast Guard-specific lapse in appropriations. The bill applies when the Coast Guard does not have its own enacted funding for a fiscal year, but the Department of Defense does, and it would automatically appropriate whatever sums are necessary to cover pay and allowances for active-duty and reserve members on duty, as well as pay and benefits for certain civilian and contract employees. The bill also extends coverage to several related benefits and obligations, including death gratuities, funeral travel and dignified transfer expenses, and temporary continuation of housing allowances for dependents of members who die on active duty. It defines which civilian and contract workers qualify, limits the authority to the duration of the lapse, and requires that any amounts spent be charged against future appropriations once enacted. A clerical amendment updates the chapter analysis in title 14 of the U.S. Code.

Impact

The bill would amend title 14 of the U.S. Code by adding a new section, 14 U.S.C. 2780, establishing automatic appropriations for Coast Guard pay and certain benefits during a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse. In practical terms, it would reduce the risk that Coast Guard members and designated civilian and contract personnel go unpaid during a shutdown scenario affecting only the Coast Guard, and it would align Coast Guard pay continuity more closely with that of other armed services. It would also create a new statutory framework for determining when the authority applies, how long it lasts, and how expenditures are later reconciled against enacted appropriations.

Sentiment

The available context suggests generally positive and bipartisan support for the bill’s purpose. The measure was introduced by Senators from both parties, indicating broad agreement that Coast Guard personnel should not be treated differently from other military members when appropriations lapse. No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no evidence of recorded opposition in the materials supplied.

Contention

The main policy issue implicit in the bill is whether Congress should create an automatic appropriation for one branch of the armed forces during a funding lapse, rather than leaving Coast Guard pay subject to the normal appropriations process. Supporters appear to view this as an equity and readiness issue, emphasizing that the Coast Guard is a military service and should receive treatment comparable to other armed forces. Any potential concern would likely center on budgetary precedent, the scope of automatic funding authority, and the inclusion of civilian and contract employees, but no specific objections are documented in the provided materials.