DPCC Co-Chairs Cheri Bustos, David Cicilline, Hakeem Jeffries Join House Democrats to Call for Strong National Security Funding, Protection of Troops’ Paychecks During Trump Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC – DPCC Co-Chairs Cheri Bustos, David Cicilline and Hakeem Jeffries joined House Democrats at a press conference today to call on Republicans to protect our troops' paychecks during the Trump shutdown by passing H.R. 4871, the Pay Our Military Act of 2018. House Democrats continue to stand ready to work with Republicans and call for a budget with strong national security funding for the full fiscal year instead of continuing the uncertainty and wastefulness of the Republicans' serial continuing resolutions.

Click here to watch the press conference.

The Pay Our Military Act was introduced by Congresswoman Betty McCollum, a senior member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. This legislation provides appropriations for pay and support for the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard during the current shutdown and any potential future government shutdowns in fiscal year 2018. The House passed similar legislation on votes of 423-0 and 425-0 during the last shutdown in 2013, and both bills were enacted into law. Funding for the federal government expired at midnight on Jan. 20 after President Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress failed to do their work on time and in good faith. The shutdown follows a series of short-term continuing resolutions that have deprived our military of the long-term budget certainty they need to keep our country safe. Despite all efforts, House Republicans continue to refuse to consider the legislation.