Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026

This bill establishes a continuing appropriation to ensure that certain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel receive pay and allowances during any government shutdown occurring in fiscal year 2026 or fiscal year 2027. It mandates that funds be drawn from the Treasury to cover salaries and expenses for these critical employees. Specifically, the appropriation covers DHS law enforcement personnel , including those in various specialized roles; DHS employees and contractors deemed necessary by the Secretary for essential functions like payroll and administration; and members, civilian personnel, and contractors of the United States Coast Guard , if not otherwise funded. The funding mechanism is designed to prevent lapses in pay for these individuals during periods when regular appropriations are not in effect. This automatic funding will cease upon the enactment of a new appropriation bill, a continuing resolution that does not include these provisions, or by January 1, 2027, whichever comes first.