WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) co-sponsored the Pay Our Coast Guard Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator John Thune (R-SD) that would ensure the U.S. Coast Guard receives funding during the government shutdown.
As a branch of the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard has been severely affected by the shutdown, including approximately 42,000 active-duty, reservist and civilian personnel that are currently not getting paid to ensure the maritime safety, security and stewardship of the nation. North Carolina is home to Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City, the largest employer in Northeastern North Carolina and home to the largest USCG aviation facility in the nation.
“North Carolina is home to thousands of U.S. Coast Guard personnel that are currently going without a paycheck due to the partial government shutdown,” said Senator Tillis. “This bipartisan legislation will immediately give the Coast Guard the funding it needs and ensure it never happens again.”
This bill provides continuing appropriations to the U.S. Coast Guard for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for the Coast Guard are not in effect.
The appropriations are provided to the Coast Guard for:
- pay and allowances for members of the Coast Guard, civilian employees, and contractors;
- the payment of a death gratuity, funeral travel, and the temporary continuation of the basic allowance for housing for dependents of members of the Coast Guard dying on active duty; and
- retiree pay.
The appropriations are provided until the enactment of specified Coast Guard appropriations legislation.
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