If enacted, the Pay Our Military Act would significantly impact federal budgetary practices by introducing a mechanism to prioritize military pay in the event of budgetary lapses. The bill mandates that appropriations remain in effect until a new funding measure is adopted or until January 1, 2026, ensuring that the service members are not left without pay. This creates a safety net that could alleviate anxiety among military personnel regarding their financial security during uncertain budgetary periods.
Summary
House Bill 9791, known as the 'Pay Our Military Act', seeks to ensure that members of the Armed Forces, including active service members and reserves, along with civilian employees and contractors providing support, receive their pay and allowances without interruption during a lapse in appropriations. This bill is a critical financial safeguard, proposing the allocation of necessary funds in situations where appropriations for the fiscal year are not in effect. It addresses the pressing concern of maintaining financial stability for military personnel and associated support staff during government funding shortfalls.
Contention
While the bill aims to foster financial certainty for military personnel, it could generate discussions about fiscal responsibility and the broader implications of creating automatic funding mechanisms. Critics may argue that such measures could lead to complacency in federal budgeting processes, making it easier for stakeholders to overlook the importance of timely appropriations and legislative accountability. Furthermore, the definition of what constitutes appropriate support and the authority of the Secretary of Defense might come under scrutiny regarding potential overreach in determining who qualifies for such appropriations.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.