If the Congress is unable to reach a budget agreement by Friday night at midnight, much of the federal government will shut down. Our military members are deemed essential personnel and will continue to serve in the event of a shutdown.

However, it is possible that their pay could be interrupted during that time. That is unacceptable.

My top priority is to ensure that our troops’ pay and benefits are uninterrupted.

Today in Congress, the House passed H.R. 1363 which would fund the Department of Defense through the remainder of this fiscal year.

That bill is now awaiting action in the Senate.

Also, I have cosponsored H.R. 1297 to guarantee pay for our troops during a possible shutdown. This bill has not yet passed.

Yesterday, I received an update from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs assuring me that veterans benefits WILL continue uninterrupted during any shutdown.

Additionally, military pensions and other retirement benefits will also continue uninterrupted.

We simply cannot have our fighting forces on the frontlines in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya wondering if their families at home will be provided for. I am doing all I can to ensure that our troops get paid in full and on time.

Thank you for your service.

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