U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of both the Senate Armed Services Committee and Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, has cosponsored bipartisan legislation to assure that military personnel continue to be paid in the event of a federal government shutdown. Senator Collins opposes a shutdown and, yesterday, sent a letter to Senate leaders urging them to work together, with House leaders and the President, to reach a compromise agreement to avert a shutdown. In the letter, Senator Collins reiterated her call to immediately fund the Department of Defense for the remainder of the year.
"I am disappointed that the Administration and Congress has yet to find the middle-ground that will allow us to agree on a long-term funding bill that makes responsible cuts and takes into account our national priorities," said Senator Collins. "I am hopeful that a compromise will be reached and shutdown will be averted. However, it is absolutely essential that the brave men and women, and their families, who sacrifice for our country day in and day out know that they will be paid on time. It is unconscionable to punish our military for Congress' inability to reach a compromise."
The "Ensuring Pay for Our Military Act," authored by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) would make available the necessary funds to prevent an interruption in pay for members of the military if there is a funding gap resulting from a government shutdown. Additionally, a provision is included to give the Secretary of Defense the discretion to allow those who serve as DOD civilians or contractors in support of our men and women in uniform to continue to be paid as well.
Senator Collins had led the effort to provide adequate funding for the Department of Defense for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011. She has repeatedly urged the Senate Majority Leader to immediately bring the defense funding bill to the Senate floor for consideration, and she has introduced two amendments to legislation considered on the Senate floor that would fund the Department of Defense for the remainder of the fiscal year, through September 30th.