Tampa Free Press
Florida, South Carolina Republicans Introduce Bill To Ensure Capitol Police Pay During Shutdown
By Jack Kaminsky
In the midst of an ongoing government shutdown, a group of Republican Senators, led by Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Rick Scott (R-FL), introduced the Pay Our Capitol Police Act on Wednesday.
The legislation is designed to guarantee paychecks for the brave men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police—including their essential civilian staff and contractors—who continue to work without pay due to the funding lapse.
Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) rebuked Senate Democrats, whom he blames for the government closure, which he and other Republicans have dubbed the “Schumer 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,” Senator Rick Scott said in a statement. “I am proud to join my colleagues to ensure these law enforcement officers, who put their lives on the line every day… aren’t harmed by Democrats’ political games.”
The introduction of the bill comes as Congress remains deadlocked over a funding resolution to reopen the government.
Focus on Essential Law Enforcement
Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), a primary sponsor of the bill, emphasized the vital role of the Capitol Police. “The United States Capitol Police performs an essential service to our nation, protecting our nation’s Capitol and all who serve within it,” he stated. “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.”
The proposed legislation would ensure continued appropriations to pay Capitol Police personnel for active service and is designed to be automatic and retroactive to the start of the shutdown, remaining in effect until the next appropriations bill is passed.
Cosponsors of the bill include a number of Republican Senators:
Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS)
James Lankford (R-OK)
Jerry Moran (R-KS)
Markwayne Mullin (R-OK)
Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Dan Sullivan (R-AK)
Senator Rick Scott also highlighted his previous legislative efforts to tie Congressional pay to government funding, citing his No Budget, No Pay Act introduced in 2019, which would prevent Members of Congress from receiving their own paychecks during a shutdown.