Letter to Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Sen. Jon Tester, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee - Sen. Rick Scott: Safeguard United States Coast Guard Pay During Shutdowns

Letter

Dear Chairwoman Capito and Ranking Member Tester:

We understand the rewarding, but challenging, role that comes with being a military family. Our men and women in uniform risk their lives every day to protect our freedom and our way of life, and we will always do everything we can to fight for the priorities that matter most to our military, veterans and their families.

It was unacceptable that during the recent government shutdown, the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) were not paid. These are truly amazing men and women who work day in and day out to honorably defend our country. But due to Washington's dysfunction, whenever a funding deadline nears, these service members have to endure uncertainty about how they are going to put food on the table, pay for medicine for their children, or make rent. The most heartbreaking consequence of all is that, as long as a shutdown continues, families of USCG members killed in active service are unable to receive death benefits.

This is why, as your Committee considers Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations, we respectfully ask for your consideration in including language that ensures pay to members of the USCG and retirees during a lapse in appropriations, if members of the other Armed Forces are receiving pay.

Thank you for your consideration of this request and for your considerable efforts on the Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations bills.

Sincerely,