THE AMERICAN LEGION AND VETERANS’ GROUPS URGE CONGRESS TO PASS THE PAY OUR TROOPS ACT
This article’s original publication can be found here.
Leaders from The American Legion and several Veterans organizations gathered in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 14 to demand that Congress pass the Pay Our Troops Act and end the ongoing government shutdown. Hosted by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the press conference brought together a coalition of advocates representing millions of Service Members, Veterans, and Military Families across the country.
Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, a Marine Corps Veteran and CEO of IAVA, said the shutdown is creating financial hardship and anxiety for troops and their families. She explained that while some VA benefits continue, many Veterans are experiencing delayed payments and difficulty reaching GI Bill hotlines or rescheduling appointments. Hunter urged lawmakers to deliver a permanent solution so that military pay isn’t jeopardized during political disputes.
"Even before the shutdown began, nearly one in four active duty Service Members face food insecurity,” Hunter said. "Nearly half of our active duty Service Members are living paycheck to paycheck, and putting them in a situation where they are facing uncertainty is not good for our national security.”
The American Legion’s Executive Director of Government Affairs, Mario Marquez, who previously served as a senior enlisted Marine leader, said he has seen firsthand how shutdowns hurt morale and readiness.
"It was the people who paid the price for political failure,” Marquez said. "Congress must protect those who protect us. When lawmakers fail to keep their promises, they fail the very people who make this nation work.”
Marquez described how shutdowns disrupt essential military programs and delay support services for Veterans. He pointed out that furloughs and pay delays can have lasting impacts on morale, readiness, and even mental health. The American Legion, representing 2.5 million members of the Legion family, stands with other organizations calling on lawmakers to "reopen the government and pass legislation to pay our troops so we never have to do this again.”
The coalition emphasized that temporary measures allowing pay to continue are not enough. Tom Porter of Blue Star Families said that while 27 organizations recently urged Congress to act, Military Families continue to face uncertainty.
"Missing a payday means missing rent, missing meals, missing doctor visits,” he said. "This isn’t a bureaucratic inconvenience. It’s a direct assault on the financial stability of those who sacrifice so much for this country.”
The shutdown has also affected education benefits. Student Veterans of America (SVA) warned that the closure of the GI Bill hotline and furlough of counselors are leaving student Veterans without guidance or support. Many rely on these services to resolve payment issues, verify enrollment, and maintain housing while in school. Delays in these benefits could force some to drop classes or face housing insecurity.
Other speakers included representatives from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and the National Military Family Association (NMFA). Each shared the same message: Service Members and their families should not be caught in the crossfire of partisan gridlock.
Candace Wheeler of TAPS explained that even though troops report for duty, many may do so without pay. "Although the administration has provided a temporary solution, it’s not sustainable,” she said. "Our military and surviving families must not be caught in the crosshairs of this budget process.”
NMFA’s Besa Pinchotti said it’s time for America to take military pay off the political table entirely. "We’ve allowed military pay to be weaponized as a bargaining chip,” she said. "Every time our nation disagrees, our troops end up holding the bill.”
With bipartisan support reportedly growing for the Pay Our Troops Act, advocates are calling on lawmakers to move quickly. The bill would guarantee that all active-duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel continue to receive pay during any lapse in government funding.
"Caring for America’s Veterans and Service Members should not be a partisan issue,” said DAV’s Scott Hogan. "Keeping our promise to Veterans and their families should unite every lawmaker in Washington.”
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