Bill Summary
The "Pay Our Capitol Police Act" is legislation designed to ensure the continued funding of the United States Capitol Police in the event of a government shutdown during fiscal year 2026. The bill authorizes appropriations from the U.S. Treasury to cover salaries, benefits, and contractor payments for Capitol Police members deemed essential during a shutdown. This includes overtime, hazardous duty pay, and support for civilian employees and contractors assisting the police force.
Key provisions include:
1. **Appropriations**: The bill allocates necessary funds for essential personnel, ensuring they receive salaries and benefits during periods without full appropriations.
2. **Interim Funding**: It specifies that these funds can only be used during times when no other appropriations are in effect and cannot be duplicated if continuing appropriations are enacted.
3. **Termination of Funding**: The appropriations will remain available until new appropriations for the Capitol Police are enacted or until September 30, 2026, whichever comes first.
4. **Effective Date**: The legislation is effective as if it were enacted on October 1, 2025, with provisions for timely payments for services rendered during that time.
Overall, the bill aims to ensure the financial stability of the Capitol Police, thereby maintaining security and order in the Capitol during potential government disruptions.
Possible Impacts
The "Pay Our Capitol Police Act" has several implications for individuals and groups. Here are three examples of how this legislation could affect people:
1. **Capitol Police Officers and Civilian Employees**: The act ensures that members of the Capitol Police and civilian employees who provide critical support will receive their salaries and benefits even during government shutdowns. This means that these employees can maintain their financial stability and access to health benefits, which is crucial for their well-being and the well-being of their families.
2. **Contractors Supporting the Capitol Police**: The legislation includes provisions for contractors who provide support to the Capitol Police. This means that contractors would continue to receive payments, which aids in preserving employment and financial security for individuals and businesses that work with the Capitol Police. It helps maintain operational capacity and ensures that essential services related to security and safety at the Capitol continue uninterrupted.
3. **Public Safety and Security**: By providing continued appropriations to the Capitol Police, the legislation contributes to the overall safety and security of the U.S. Capitol and its surroundings. This indirectly affects the general public, as a well-funded and staffed Capitol Police force can better respond to emergencies and maintain order, which is critical during times of heightened political tension or public events. Enhanced security could lead to increased public confidence in the safety of governmental institutions and the democratic process.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3073 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 3073
Making continuing appropriations for the United States Capitol Police
with respect to a Government shutdown.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
October 29, 2025
Mr. Scott of South Carolina (for himself, Mr. Mullin, Ms. Murkowski,
Mr. Graham, Mr. Sullivan, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mr. Lankford, Mr. Cramer,
Mr. Moran, Mr. Scott of Florida, and Mr. Cassidy) introduced the
following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on
Appropriations
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
Making continuing appropriations for the United States Capitol Police
with respect to a Government shutdown.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Pay Our Capitol Police Act''.
SEC. 2. CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE.
(a) In General.--There are hereby appropriated for fiscal year
2026, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for
any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for fiscal
year 2026 are not in effect--
(1) such sums as are necessary to provide salaries,
including overtime, hazardous duty pay, and Government
contributions for health, retirement, social security,
professional liability insurance, tuition reimbursement,
recruitment and retention bonuses, and other applicable
employee benefits, to--
(A) members of the Capitol Police whom the Chief of
the Capitol Police determines are excepted employees or
employees performing emergency work, as those terms are
defined by the Office of Personnel Management, during
such period; and
(B) civilian employees of the Capitol Police whom
the Chief of the Capitol Police determines are
providing support to the members of the Capitol Police
described in subparagraph (A); and
(2) such sums as are necessary to provide payment to
contractors of the Capitol Police whom the Chief of the Capitol
Police determines are providing support to members of the
Capitol Police described in paragraph (1)(A).
(b) Interim Continuing Appropriations.--Appropriations made
available under subsection (a) may not be obligated or expended for the
Capitol Police during any period during which continuing appropriations
for the purposes for which amounts are made available under subsection
(a) are in effect for the Capitol Police.
(c) Charge to Future Appropriations.--Expenditures made pursuant to
subsection (a) shall be charged to the applicable appropriation, fund,
or authorization whenever an Act in which such applicable
appropriation, fund, or authorization is included is enacted into law.
SEC. 3. TERMINATION.
Appropriations and funds made available and authority granted
pursuant to this Act shall be available until whichever of the
following first occurs:
(1) The enactment into law of appropriations for the
Capitol Police through September 30, 2026 (including a
continuing appropriation) for any purpose for which amounts are
made available in section 2.
(2) The enactment into law of appropriations for the
legislative branch through September 30, 2026 (including a
continuing appropriation) without any appropriation for such
purpose.
(3) September 30, 2026.
SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE; SPECIAL RULE.
(a) Effective Date.--This Act shall take effect as if enacted on
October 1, 2025.
(b) Special Rule.--Payments of pay and allowances from amounts
appropriated under section 2 for any portion of the period beginning on
October 1, 2025, and ending on the day before the date of enactment of
this Act shall be provided as soon as practicable after such date of
enactment.
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