Contact Congress about H.R. 5401: Pay Our Troops Act of 2026

Troops would keep getting paid if the federal government shuts down in fiscal year 2026. Some civilian workers and contractors who support them could also be paid. The backup funding would stop once Congress passes the needed spending laws or on January 1, 2027.

Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.

Latest action on H.R. 5401: Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects troops, military families, and people who directly support military work during a shutdown. Troops would have the clearest protection because the bill keeps their pay and allowances flowing. Some civilian workers and contractors could also be covered, but only if the proper Secretary says their work supports those service members.

Why this matters: A shutdown can delay paychecks, and this bill would reduce that risk for troops and some support workers. That could help families keep up with rent, food, and bills during a funding fight. It could also help military operations continue with less disruption. At the same time, it would set military-related pay apart from other federal workers and contractors who may still go unpaid during a shutdown.

Key provisions in H.R. 5401

• The bill would pay Armed Forces members on active service during a fiscal year 2026 funding gap. It allows whatever money is needed when regular or temporary funding is not in place.
• Some Defense Department civilian workers could keep getting paid. So could some Homeland Security Department workers who support the Coast Guard, if the proper Secretary says they support covered service members.
• Some contractors could also keep getting paid. This applies to Defense Department contractors and Homeland Security Department contractors doing Coast Guard work, if the proper Secretary says they support covered service members.
• The money would come from the U.S. Treasury. It would use funds that have not already been assigned to another purpose.
• The Defense Secretary would decide which Defense civilians and contractors qualify. The Homeland Security Secretary would make that decision for Coast Guard support.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 5401

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 5401

What is H.R. 5401?

Troops would keep getting paid if the federal government shuts down in fiscal year 2026. Some civilian workers and contractors who support them could also be paid. The backup funding would stop once Congress passes the needed spending laws or on January 1, 2027.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 5401?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 5401?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

How does Modern Action help me act on H.R. 5401?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.