(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke announced his support for H.R.5641, the Pay Our Troops Act. Under current law, if there is a government shutdown, those serving in our Armed Forces would not receive a paycheck after September 30th. This legislation was introduced recently by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA), a former Navy helicopter pilot.
H.R.5641 would make available the necessary funding from the Department of Treasury to provide pay for the military, including the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as civilian employees and contractors of the Department of Defense whose responsibilities are determined by the Secretary of Defense to contribute to the mission execution, well-being, and readiness of the Armed Forces.
“I can tell you from a former commander’s perspective, you never mess with a soldier’s paycheck,” Zinke said. “For a troop just starting off their career, missing a paycheck can mean missing a rent or car payment, a utility bill, gas, or groceries. Many are new or single parents; neither they nor their families should suffer because of funding disputes in Congress.”
PRESS RELEASE PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN RYAN ZINKE