This bill makes sure Capitol Police officers and their support staff get paid even if the government shuts down. When Congress can't agree on a budget and the government stops funding, most federal workers go unpaid until things are resolved. But Capitol Police are essential workers who have to keep showing up to protect the building and the people inside it. This bill says that during a shutdown, the Capitol Police will still have money to pay their officers' salaries, overtime, hazard pay, bonuses, and benefits. It also covers civilian staff who support the officers and any contractors helping out. The money only kicks in when there's actually a shutdown—it won't be used if Congress has already passed a regular budget. This funding lasts until either Congress passes a full budget for the Capitol Police or the fiscal year ends on September 30, 2026, whichever comes first. Essentially, it's a safety net to ensure the people protecting Congress don't have to worry about missing paychecks during budget disputes.

Pay Our Capitol Police Act

Scott, Tim

Pay Our Capitol Police ActThis bill provides FY2026 continuing appropriations for the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) to pay and provide benefits for employees who are working during a government shutdown.The bill provides the appropriations for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2026 are not in effect (i.e., a government shutdown). Specifically, the bill provides the appropriations to the USCP for salaries, overtime pay, hazardous duty pay, recruitment and retention bonuses, and employee benefits for (1) members of the&nbsp;USCP who are excepted employees (i.e., required to work) or are performing emergency work during the shutdown, and (2) civilian employees who are providing support to the members.The bill also provides appropriations for payments to USCP contractors who are providing support to the members of the&nbsp;USCP who are working during the shutdown.&nbsp;The appropriations provided by this bill may not be used during any period in which continuing appropriations are in effect for these purposes.&nbsp;The appropriations are available until the earlier of (1) the enactment into law of legislation to provide FY2026 appropriations for the USCP or the legislative branch (including continuing appropriations), or (2) September 30, 2026.The bill must take effect as if it had been enacted on October 1, 2025.