DeFazio bill to save Coast Guard from shutdown

Shutdown impacts over 41,000 active duty Coast Guard members performing missions and protecting the coastal borders

Oregon lawmakers applauded legislation introduced by Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) that would provide funding for the Coast Guard and ensure that active duty and reserve members of the Coast Guard are paid during the government shutdown. Members of the Coast Guard are the only members of the United States military not being paid for their critical and continuing operations.

"It is unacceptable that the government shutdown has affected the men and women of the US Coast Guard, who provide critical protections for our coastal and riverfront communities in many ways," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01). "About 500 Coast Guard members are stationed in Astoria; they deserve to be paid on time. This shutdown is creating unnecessary hardship for the families of those who put their lives on the line to keep our country and communities safe. Passing the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act would provide relief for these service members and allow them to stay focused on their mission."