Rep. Jen Kiggans Introduces Pay Our Troops Act; Speaker Johnson Blocks Floor Vote

Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA) introduced H.R. 5401, the Pay Our Troops Act, on October 3, 2025, two days into the government shutdown. The bill would have authorized Treasury to continue disbursing military pay for the duration of any lapse in appropriations. The legislation attracted 122 bipartisan cosponsors, including members from both parties in swing districts. Despite having the votes needed to pass the House, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) declined to schedule the bill for a floor vote, citing concerns that passing standalone military pay legislation would reduce pressure on Democrats to accept a broader spending agreement. Critics, including Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) and several veteran service organizations, argued that using military pay as leverage during budget negotiations set a dangerous precedent inconsistent with prior Congresses.