With Government Shutdown Looming, Rep. Scholten Reintroduces Bill to Protect Coast Guard Pay

WASHINGTON, DC – With just 17 days until a potential government shutdown, U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), a member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, reintroduced the bipartisan Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025, alongside Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI-07). This critical legislation ensures that Coast Guard service members continue to receive their pay during government funding lapses, providing them the same financial security as other branches of the U.S. military. 

“We are just over two weeks away from a potential government shutdown, and once again, our Coast Guard members could be left without pay,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “Our bipartisan bill will ensure the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect our maritime borders and respond to emergencies are paid for their service. It is unacceptable that they should ever have to worry about their paychecks while serving our country.”   

“Our service members put their lives on the line to protect our nation, and they should never have to worry about whether their paycheck will come through, especially while they’re on duty. The men and women of the Coast Guard perform critical missions every day, from search and rescue to national security, and they deserve the same certainty as every other branch of our Armed Forces,” said Congressman Barrett. “I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act to ensure that Coasties and their families are never left in financial limbo due to a government shutdown. This is about fairness, readiness, and standing by those who stand guard for us.”

The Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act provides automatic funding for Coast Guard pay and benefits for up to two weeks during government shutdowns if the Department of Defense is being funded and the Department of Homeland Security is not. Unlike the other branches of the military, which fall under the Department of Defense, the Coast Guard is housed under the Department of Homeland Security, which has previously left Coasties without pay due to congressional inaction. 

The reintroduction comes a week after observing a Coast Guard ice rescue training exercise, where Scholten witnessed firsthand the bravery and skill of service members operating in extreme conditions. With a shutdown deadline fast approaching, Rep. Scholten is calling for swift bipartisan action to pass this bill and ensure that Coast Guard families are not left behind. 

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