South Iowa News

Representative Zach Nunn of Iowa’s 3rd District has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce the Pay Our Troops Act, which aims to ensure that servicemembers continue to receive pay during government shutdowns. The legislation is led by Representative Jen Kiggans of Virginia.

“As a 20-year combat veteran and Air Force Colonel, I know how important every paycheck is,” said Rep. Nunn. “The House did its job. We passed a clean CR to keep the government open and continue paying our troops while we negotiate full-year funding.”

The proposed bill would guarantee that all active-duty servicemembers, including reservists and National Guard members on active-duty orders, are paid even if the federal government shuts down. This provision includes nearly 1,800 Iowa National Guard troops currently deployed in the Middle East as part of Operation Inherent Resolve.

On September 19, 2025, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5371, which would fund the government through November 21, 2025. The vote largely followed party lines, with all but one Democrat opposing the measure. The Senate did not pass the bill; again, all but one Democrat voted against it.

“It’s time for Senate Democrats to step up and pass the House’s bill so we can continue negotiating through regular order,” continued Rep. Nunn. “In the meantime, I will continue working to ensure America’s servicemembers receive their paychecks, even if Democrats decide to play politics with a government shutdown.”

The Pay Our Troops Act has received endorsements from organizations such as the National Military Family Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, United Steelworkers, Blue Star Families, and the Military Officers Association of America.

For more information about H.R. 5371 or to read the text of the bill, visit this link.