WASHINGTON–In what has become an almost regular occurrence, another partial government shutdown that will affect members of some credit unions appears highly likely beginning Friday.
The ongoing impasse over funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) due to Democrat demands that changes be made at Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) remains wide, and should Congress not reach an agreement it will mean the potential loss of paychecks for many of its 260,000 employees, who include the Coast Guard and TSA.
As the CU Daily has reported previously, this isn’t the first time many of the potentially affected employees have been in this position.
‘Must Still Report for Duty’
“It’s our understanding that if there is a (Continuing Resolution to fund DHS) to be had it’s not going to be in the two weeks range; they want to look for something that’s maybe three to four weeks to keep the pressure,” said Jason Stverak, chief advocacy officer with the Defense Credit Union Council. “Our primary concern is for our members in the Coast Guard who will not be receiving a salary from Saturday moving on but who are still required to report for duty just like active duty troops over the Department of War and Defense. I know it is very late in the game but Congress has had legislative proposals in front of them for four months to address this issue and to ensure…payroll still goes out.”
Travel May be Affected
Stverak added DCUC is hopeful money can be “found” from other sources, as has happened in the past, to pay members of the Coast Guard and other workers.
Stverak added the lack of paychecks for TSA workers could also begin to affect travel plans for many should the shutdown go on for any amount of time.
“We’re going to continue our contact with our allies up on Capitol Hill and in the administration to continually push the message..that don’t let our (Coast Guard) and their families become political pawns in these policy discussions.”
