Introduction of SHIELD Act would prioritize military pay during federal shutdown

A joint effort from U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) has introduced an effort to protect military and law enforcement personnel from potential pay lapses as the federal shutdown stretches on.

The Strengthening Homeland Security, Intelligence, and Essential Law Enforcement Departments (SHIELD) Act would prioritize pay for affected personnel during budget impasses or appropriations lapses, guaranteeing their pay regardless of the availability of Congressionally-appropriated funds.

“Each and every day, our nation’s military and federal law enforcement officials sacrifice for our safety,” Fitzpatrick said. “Even with their paychecks threatened due to the current government shutdown, members of the U.S. Coast Guard and critical law enforcement continue to honorably report to work. These federal employees are essential to American national security, and their lack of timely compensation is unacceptable.”

The bill has been endorsed by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), whose more than 27,000 members have nearly all been put out by the shutdown, according to its president, Nate Catura. Enforcement operations are, however, among those jobs for which core functions can never be fully shut down, even in the midst of financial crisis — rather, essential personnel are expected to work without pay.

“Our national security and the safety of American families should never be put at risk due to our government’s inability to responsibly manage its finances, and those who put their lives on the line in the service of their fellow citizens should not be denied their paychecks,” Spanberger said.