The U.S. is Heading for a Government Shutdown. What Does it Mean for Military Families?
The spending agreement currently funding the U.S. government is set to expire October 1. If Congress is unable to pass a new spending bill before then, the government will shut down until an agreement can be reached.
During a government shutdown, federal programs and services that are determined to be nonessential typically close. Each agency will determine which functions and employees are essential based on guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
As of this writing, the Pentagon has not yet issued guidance on how service members and military families will be affected by a government shutdown. However, based on previous shutdowns, we have some idea of what to expect.
Service members will have to report to work. The military’s role in defending the country is considered to be essential for national security. As a result, service members continue to work during a shutdown. Expect many civilian employees of the Department of War to be furloughed.
Service members will receive their pay on October 1. The October 1 payday covers the period before the government shutdown, so those funds will be disbursed as usual.
If the shutdown lasts longer than two weeks, future paydays may be impacted. To prevent military families’ missing a paycheck in the event of an extended shutdown, we support the Pay Our Troops Act (H.R. 1932), which would ensure that service members are paid even in the event of a government shutdown.
Installation programs and services may be affected. The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) has announced that it has sufficient funding to continue commissary operations for 60 days. In previous shutdowns, Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools remained open, although some extracurricular activities were paused. Decisions about Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) and CDCs may be made on a case-by-case basis at the local level.
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.