H.R. 518 — Troops Before Politicians Act

This section establishes a procedure requiring the payroll administrators of the House of Representatives and Senate to withhold compensation otherwise due to Members of Congress during any pay period when members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components on active service, do not receive pay due to a lapse in appropriations, and to deposit the withheld amounts in an escrow account. The section directs release of escrowed amounts as soon as practicable after the lapse ends (or, for the 119th Congress, on its last day); requires the Secretary of the Treasury to assist the payroll administrators; and defines terms including "Member of Congress," "payroll administrator," and cross-references to 10 U.S.C. §101 for "Armed Forces," "active service," and "reserve components." (Thus, congressional pay is effectively paused during government shutdowns affecting military pay.)