Separate bills in the House and Senate would cover Coast Guard payroll costs even if the partial government shutdown continues, but there has been little progress.
More than 40,000 Coast Guard members have been working without pay since the end of the year, along with 10,000 other Coast Guard personnel. The next scheduled pay date is Jan. 30.
Some Coast Guard families lobbied lawmakers Tuesday to find a fix.
“I have full faith in the Coast Guard,” Petty Officer First Class Ryan Mleziva told Military Times. “I just hope our elected representatives show faith in us too.”
Senate leaders blocked an attempt by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) to temporarily re-fund the Department of Homeland Security, including Coast Guard payroll, according to The Hill.
About 50,000 Coast Guard retirees could also miss out on their next benefits check at the beginning of the month, Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association President Jon Ostrowski told Military Times.
“People are starting to get worried,” he said.
Coast Guard photo by Lt. J.G. Kiana Kekoa
Kiggans, Jacobs Float Idea of Combining Housing and Childcare Facilities
Two House Armed Services Committee members representing defense communities have introduced a bill asking DOD to consider creating facilities that have family housing and childcare in the same building, according to a press release. “Our men and women in uniform put...
