Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, U.S. Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced the Pay Our Capitol Police Act, legislation that ensures members of the United States Capitol Police, their civilian staff, and essential contractors continue to receive pay during a government shutdown.
“The brave men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police work tirelessly every day to protect us and those that visit the Capitol complex,” said Senator Mullin. “While the Democrats continue to play politics with paychecks, the Pay Our Capitol Police Act will ensure our officers are supported.”
“The United States Capitol Police performs an essential service to our nation, protecting our nation’s Capitol and all who serve within it,” said Senator Tim Scott. “The Pay Our Capitol Police Act guarantees they receive the pay and support they have earned. These officers protect the American people and an institution of our democracy, and they should not have to miss paychecks because of political games in Washington.”
Joining Senators Mullin and Scott in introducing the bill are U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska).
“Even during the Schumer Shutdown, Capitol Police officers have tirelessly shown up to protect Congress and the public. The Pay Our Capitol Police Act is the least we can do to ensure our officers will get paid for their service without any more delay or disruption,” said Senator Cramer.
“It’s foolish not to pay the police officers who protect the U.S. Capitol because of the Schumer Shutdown. They deserve better,” said Senator Graham.
“The men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police risk their lives defending our Capitol, and I am thankful for their service,” said Senator Moran. “This legislation would make certain Capitol Police officers, who protect those who work in the Capitol and the thousands of people who visit it every day, receive paychecks during the ongoing shutdown.”
“It is despicable that Democrats continue to drag the Schumer Shutdown on, gladly accepting their own paychecks while refusing to open the government or pay our hardworking federal law enforcement, including our Capitol Police. I am proud to join my colleagues to ensure these law enforcement officers, who put their lives on the line every day to keep the Capitol, visitors, and members safe, aren’t harmed by Democrats’ political games,” said Senator Rick Scott.
The Pay Our Capitol Police Act provides:
The bill is effective immediately upon enactment and remains in place until the passage of the next appropriations legislation or Sept. 30, 2026.
Full text of the ‘‘Pay Our Capitol Police Act’’ can be found here.
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