WASHINGTON–The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) has renewed its call to Congress for swift action to protect the financial stability of U.S. servicemembers as the federal government shutdown continues.
Approximately 1.3 million active-duty servicemembers face missing their first paycheck on October 15.
In a letter sent to House and Senate Armed Services Committee leaders, Jason Stverak, DCUC’s chief advocacy officer, called on lawmakers to include the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 and the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025 in the final Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
“Those who defend our nation deserve financial certainty and should never be used as bargaining chips in a budget standoff,” Stverak wrote. “Including these provisions in the NDAA will ensure that our servicemembers and their families are never again left in financial limbo because of a government shutdown.”
‘Deep & Lasting Effects’
DCUC said it sought to convey in its letter the deep and lasting effects of pay interruptions on military families, from missed mortgage payments and late fees to long-term credit impacts.
It further pointed to the Coast Guard’s unique vulnerability—stemming from its funding through the Department of Homeland Security rather than the Department of War—with DCUC noting that during the 2018–2019 shutdown, nearly 50,000 Coast Guard members went unpaid, an inequity the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act would address.
Strong Bipartisan Support
Both legislative measures have strong bipartisan support and are endorsed by leading military and veterans’ organizations, including the National Military Family Association, Blue Star Families, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America, National Guard Association, along with DCUC itself, the organization said.
“Credit unions have always been a source of stability for military families, especially during times of uncertainty,” DCUC President and CEO Anthony Hernandez said in a statement. “Their swift action is once again demonstrating the credit union difference—people helping people—ensuring those who defend our nation have the financial support they deserve.”
Shouldn’t Have to Depend on Charity
After citing all the credit unions that are offering financial help to any federal employee or member of the military affected by the shutdown, Stverak added, “No family serving our nation should have to depend on emergency loans or charity to put food on the table during a political impasse. Congress must ensure our troops’ financial security just as they ensure our national security.”
