When a 35-day partial government shutdown hit the nation in the 2018-2019 winter, thousands of federal employees, contractors and others went without pay. Even the Coast Guard missed paychecks after more than a month political standstill, but kept working through the shutdown. This was notable because the Coast Guard was the only part of the nations armed forces that went without pay during that stretch, as it is part of the Department of Homeland Security and not the Department of Defense, whose funding did not lapse.
While members of the Coast Guard did receive back pay, Congress has recently moved to remedy that oversight and prevent any future shutdowns from obstructing Coast Guard from being paid.
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:
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Appropriates funding for pay, allowances, benefits, and other compensation for all active duty, reserve, and civilian Coast Guard employees.
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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.
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Makes pay and benefits available until regular appropriations are enacted or the authorization ends
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Allows expenditures to be charged retroactively to the applicable Coast Guard appropriation once funding is restored.
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Exempts shutdown pay appropriations from apportionment time limits.
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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:
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Coast Guardsmen stay on mission conducting search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, border security, environmental response, and other essential operations.
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Halting paychecks creates severe financial strain for members who rely on that income to support families.
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Lack of pay hurts morale when servicemembers must keep working without getting paid.
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Coast Guardsmen should not be penalized because of unrelated budget disputes in Congress.
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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:
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Getting assigned to relevant committees (likely Armed Services) for review in the House and Senate
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Going through the markup process and revisions
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Getting scheduled for votes on the House and Senate floors
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Passing a final identical version through both chambers
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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.
Bill passes House and Senate panels
The Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2019 is the latest edition in a regular series of legislation that makes appropriations and other updates to modernize and improve the service and how it operates. A feature of this reauthorization act is the stipulation that requires Coast Guard to be paid should any shutdowns materialize in the future, among other reforms. This was done through the inclusion of an amendment titled the “Coast Guard Pay Parity Act” that would ensure paychecks are sent despite any shutdown occurring.
The legislation is well on its way to passing through Congress, having cleared key panels in both the House and the Senate with bipartisan support. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee had passed the reauthorization act near the end of June. At that time, Committee Chair Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) hailed it as crucial to protecting both the men and women of the Coast Guard and recognizing their sacrifice.
“The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.”
“This legislation ensures our Coasties can continue carrying out their important work to secure our waterways and keep our communities safe,” DeFazio said. “In addition, I am proud to have added an amendment which guarantees that members of the Coast Guard are paid on time and in full, even in the event of another senseless government shutdown.”
On July 31 the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2019.
“Im honored to have led the effort on this years Coast Guard reauthorization, supporting members of the fifth branch of our military who are far too often overlooked or forgotten,” said Dan Sullivan (R-AK). “With this legislation, we will ensure that Coast Guardsmen never again are risking their lives and serving without pay – as they were during the partial government shutdown earlier this year.”
The full House and Senate will need to vote on and pass the act before it can be sent to the president and signed.
US Coast Guard Pay “What You Earn as a New Recruit in 2024”
FAQ
What is the Coast Guard Authorization Act 2024?
This bill renews some Coast Guard powers and programs until FY2026, among other things by keeping current levels for active-duty personnel and military training student loads.
Does the coast guard get paid if the government shuts down?
If there is a shutdown, military personnel from all branches of the armed forces will keep working. In past shutdowns, Congress acted swiftly to pay our troops. They weren’t paid, though, because the Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security and not the Department of Defense.
What is the Coast Guard pay Parity Act?
Introduced in the House on April 18, 2023, this bill gives the Coast Guard continuing appropriations for pay and benefits when there is a lack of funding for the Coast Guard.
What is the Pay Our Coast Guard Act?
1. This Act may be cited as the Pay Our Coast Guard Act. 2. You can always think of the Coast Guard as a military service and a part of the United States Armed Forces. This is true whether it works for the Navy or the Department of Homeland Security.
Do Coast Guard members get paid?
Even though not many people join the military for the pay and benefits, those who do have a high level of financial and medical security. Expect your pay to go up steadily because: The Coast Guard and all other branches of the military use the same pay structure.
Who blocked the Pay Our Coast Guard Act?
In seeking passage of the Pay Our Coast Guard Act, Sen. Kennedy was joined by Senator Sullivan, who is the head of the subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change, and Manufacturing. Passage of the bill was blocked by Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash. ). Sen. Cruz’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are included below:
What is the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act?
Companion legislation to the Pay Our Coast Guard Act, the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act (H. R. 2693), was introduced by Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI) in April of this year. If there is a lack of money, the Pay Our Coast Guard Act would make sure that the Coast Guard gets the same treatment as the other branches of the military.
Will Ted Cruz pass pay our Coast Guard Act?
WASHINGTON, D. C. – U. S. Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee Ted Cruz (R-Texas) asked the Senate floor today for unanimous consent to pass the Pay Our Coast Guard Act, a bill he introduced with Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) and Richard Burr (R-Nevada). ), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis. ).
Did Coast Guard personnel get paid during the government shutdown?
The most recent government shutdown started in Dec. 2018, lasting 34 days. During that partial shutdown, DoD had already been funded under supplemental appropriations, but DHS was not. Because of this, military members working for the DoD were paid during the shutdown, but Coast Guard members who kept working did not get paid.
