Sens. Scott, Mullin, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Restore Pay for Capitol Police During the Schumer Shutdown

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) introduced the Pay Our Capitol Police Act, legislation ensuring members of the United States Capitol Police, their civilian staff, and essential contractors continue to receive pay during a government shutdown.

“The United States Capitol Police performs an essential service to our nation, protecting our nation’s Capitol and all who serve within it,” said Sen. 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.” 

“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 Sen. Mullin. “While the Democrats continue to play politics with paychecks, the Pay Our Capitol Police Act will ensure our officers are supported.”

Joining Senators Scott and Mullin 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 Sen. 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 Sen. 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 Sen. 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.”

“U.S. Capitol Police have continued to serve Congress faithfully throughout this shutdown—and it is we who are letting them down,” said Sen. Murkowski. “Our officers and their families should not have to go without pay while we in Congress blame each other for the shutdown impasse. I am immensely grateful for their service and the sacrifices they make daily. The best way we can show them our appreciation is to take care of them as they take care of us.”

Sen. Rick Scott said, “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.”

“The United States Capitol Police are dedicated men and women who have sworn an oath to protect every American who walks through the doors of the Capitol. Day after day, they stand watch over this institution and the people it represents. They deserve our full support, not to be caught in the middle of a political standoff created by Senate Democrats who refuse to reopen the government,” said Sen. Lankford.

The Pay Our Capitol Police Act provides:

• Continuing appropriations to pay members of the Capitol Police performing active service.
• Pay for civilian employees and contractors who directly support Capitol Police operations.
• Automatic coverage during any period in which interim or full-year appropriations are not in effect, retroactive to Oct. 1, 2025.

The bill is effective immediately upon enactment and remains in place until the passage of the next appropriations legislation or Sept. 30, 2026.

Full bill text can be found here.

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