This week, Congressman Mike Ezell joined the bipartisan Pay Our Troops Act (H.R. 5641), a bill that would ensure members of the armed forces continue to receive pay in the event of a government shutdown.

"We cannot allow Washington politics to get in the way of our national defense," said Congressman Ezell. "Keeping our troops paid during a potential government shutdown should be one of our top priorities."

The Pay Our Troops Act is led by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), a Navy veteran. The bill would appropriate funds to ensure all members of the Armed Forces, including reservists, are paid if a shutdown happens during Fiscal Year 2024. More than 50 Republicans and 5 Democrats have signed on to the Pay Our Troops Act since it was introduced on September 21, 2023.

Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) are leading companion legislation in the Senate. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) is a cosponsor of the companion legislation.