Us Congress Senate Bill SB2791

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/13/23
• Refer: 9/13/23

Caption

Pay Our Coast Guard Act

Impact

The bill outlines specific provisions for maintaining pay and allowances for both active-duty and reserve members of the Coast Guard, as well as certain civilian and contract employees. In the event of a funding lapse, the bill would allow for necessary appropriations to be made to cover wages and benefits, thereby protecting the financial well-being of those who serve. This measure is significant as it seeks to prevent situations akin to past government shutdowns where Coast Guard members did not receive timely compensation, highlighting a critical need for legislative protection of their financial security.

Summary

Senate Bill 2791, titled the 'Pay Our Coast Guard Act,' proposes an amendment to Title 14 of the United States Code to ensure that Coast Guard members receive their pay and benefits even in the event of a lapse in appropriations. This bill acknowledges the unique role of the Coast Guard as a military service and aims to provide equitable treatment for its members compared to those in other branches of the Armed Forces. It is particularly focused on stipulating funding continuity during times when ordinary appropriations are not available.

Contention

Potential points of contention may arise from the implications of this bill on government budgeting and appropriations processes, particularly regarding how these provisions could affect overall federal spending. There may also be concerns raised about the precedent set by ensuring pay continuity for one military branch, which could lead to demands for similar protections across other services, thus complicating future appropriations debates. Legislators might debate the balance between necessary funding for military readiness and the broader implications for taxpayer funding.