Armed Forces Pay Act of 2025
Summary
The Armed Forces Pay Act of 2025 provides continuing appropriations for military pay and civilian employees of specific intelligence agencies during a government shutdown. It ensures that members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense, Coast Guard, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and Central Intelligence Agency receive their pay and allowances. The appropriations are for fiscal year 2026 and remain available until a regular appropriation is enacted, a continuing resolution is passed without such appropriations, or September 30, 2026, whichever occurs first.
Expected Effects
This act will prevent a lapse in pay for military personnel and essential intelligence community employees during potential government shutdowns. It offers financial security and stability to these individuals and their families. The Act also ensures the continuity of critical national security functions.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures timely payment to members of the Armed Forces, maintaining morale and readiness.
- Provides financial stability for civilian employees in defense and intelligence agencies.
- Maintains operational readiness and effectiveness of defense and intelligence functions during government shutdowns.
- Avoids disruptions to national security activities.
- Offers a degree of certainty during uncertain budgetary times.
Potential Disadvantages
- May incentivize government shutdowns by providing a temporary workaround.
- Could lead to uneven funding priorities if regular appropriations are delayed.
- Potentially increases the national debt if not offset by other spending cuts or revenue increases.
- Might create a perception of unequal treatment compared to other government employees.
- The act does not address the root causes of potential government shutdowns.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
This bill aligns with the constitutional mandate to provide for the common defense (Preamble). Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to raise and support armies, and this bill ensures that those armies are paid. The appropriations process itself is a core function of Congress, as outlined in Article I, Section 9, which requires that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law."
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).