Huizenga proposes legislation ensuring DHS, Coast Guard pay during government shutdowns

Michigan U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga has introduced the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026 to guarantee that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) law enforcement personnel, including ICE agents, Border Patrol officers, TSA officers, Secret Service personnel, and Coast Guard members, continue to receive pay during any government shutdown through fiscal year 2026 and into early 2027 if necessary. This legislation, modeled after the Pay Our Troops Act, responds to concerns that essential homeland security workers have historically been required to work without pay during shutdowns, which undermines morale and operational readiness. Huizenga emphasized that the bill aims to prevent critical law enforcement and border security operations from being disrupted by political gridlock in Washington. The act also ensures funding for staff necessary to carry out these payments and includes civilian personnel and contractors where applicable. The bill has garnered support from several Republican lawmakers and underscores the importance of maintaining national security and border protection without interruption. Past shutdowns, including one during President Donald Trump's first term, have highlighted the need for such protections for essential personnel.