Representative Aaron Bean (R-FL) has signed on to cosponsor the Pay Our Troops Act, which ensures military personnel continue to receive salaries during a government shutdown.
Late last week, Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) announced the bill in an X post, writing that "if our troops don't get paid, neither should Congress."
"While Democrats refuse to act in Washington, I'm focused on solutions," Rep. Mills continued, adding that "our servicemembers make incredible sacrifices — the least we can do is make sure they aren't caught in the crossfire of a broken budget process."
Rep. Bean echoed the sentiment in a recent statement supporting the bill, commenting that "our nation's warriors selflessly serve our nation. As a member of Congress, it is my solemn duty to honor their service and heroism."
"That's why I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this legislation to pay our troops and ensure the men and women who are on the front lines do not suffer financial distress as a result of Washington's dysfunction," Rep. Bean added.
In a press release, the Florida Congressman's office explained that military personnel, civilian employees, and defense contractors designated by the Secretary of Defense as supporting the Armed Forces would be paid through unappropriated funds.
The funds will continue to be used to pay personnel until a continuing resolution is passed that includes FY26 funding for DoD or until January 1st, 2027.
Last week, Bean introduced the Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025, which similarly protects the pay of critical air traffic controllers and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel during shutdowns.
Whereas the funds for the Pay Our Troops Act come from unappropriated Treasury funds, the Aviation Stability Act draws from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which is sourced from various taxes, including airline tickets and fuel, that have not yet been allocated to pay FAA personnel and air traffic controllers for up to 30 days after a government shutdown.
"While Congress continues negotiations on funding the federal government, I hope we can all agree: The people who keep America's skies running should be paid on time," Bean declared. "We can't afford to let a government shutdown disrupt the backbone of our aviation system."
