Casey cosponsors military bill in response to threat of government shutdown

With the potential for a government shutdown, Sen. Bob Casey worked with seven other senators to introduce the Ensuring Pay for Our Military Act of 2011. The legislation would ensure pay for men and women in service should the government shut down.

 

Senators from Texas, Oklahoma, Maine, North Dakota, Alaska and New Hampshire worked with Casey to bring the bill forward, despite a prioritized effort to avoid a shutdown.

“While we continue to debate the budget here in Washington, we must do everything to ensure that our service members and their families get the support they deserve,” Casey said.

The bill “would make available the necessary funds” to continue pay for members of the military should a government shutdown create a pay gap. The bill also grants permission to the Secretary of Defense to allow those who serve as DOD civilians or contractors in support of in support of the military to continue to be paid, as well.

The bill is being reviewed by the Committee on Appropriations.