The U.S. Government is Shutdown. What Does This Mean for Military Families?

The spending agreement that was previously funding the U.S. government expired as of October 1. Because Congress was unable to pass a new spending bill, the government is shut down until an agreement can be reached.

During the shutdown, federal programs and services deemed nonessential are closed. Each government agency determines which functions and employees are essential based on guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), but here’s what we know so far:

Service members have to report to work. The military’s role in defending the country is considered essential for national security. As a result, service members continue to work during the shutdown.

Service members have received their pay on October 1. The October 1 payday covered the period before the government shutdown, so those funds were disbursed as usual.

If the shutdown lasts longer than two weeks, future paydays may be impacted. To prevent military families from missing a paycheck in the event of an extended shutdown, Congress should pass the Pay Our Troops Act (H.R. 1932), which would ensure that service members are paid even during a government shutdown.

Installation programs and services are affected. The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) has announced that it has sufficient funding to continue commissary operations for 60 days. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools will remain open, however some extracurricular activities are paused or canceled until further notice. Decisions about Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) and CDCs are being made on a case-by-case basis at the local level.

For additional information regarding programs and resources impacted by the shutdown, read more.

At NMFA, we believe that funding the government is Congress’ first and most essential duty. Military families sacrifice so much for this country; at the very least, they deserve the assurance that the programs and services they rely on will be there to support them. We urge Congress to set aside partisan differences and pass a spending bill.