Government Shutdown Threatens Coast Guard Readiness and Public Safety
ARLINGTON, Va. ― Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) on Monday warned that the ongoing Department of Homeland Security spending freeze and resulting partial government shutdown are undermining the operational readiness of the United States Coast Guard and placing unnecessary strain on service members and public safety.
As the nation’s only armed service within DHS, the Coast Guard carries out a constant mission set that includes drug and migrant interdiction, port security, and lifesaving search and rescue operations. Despite these critical responsibilities, Coast Guard members are currently serving without pay and without funding clarity.
CVA Grassroots Engagement Director and Coast Guard veteran Cody Frizzelle had this to say:
“The Coast Guard’s mission doesn’t pause for politics, and a government shutdown that leaves our service members unfunded is a direct threat to operational readiness and national security. From drug and migrant interdiction to search and rescue, the Coast Guard safeguards our ports, waterways, and communities every day, and forcing these men and women to serve without pay puts some of the most vulnerable areas of homeland security at risk. This kind of dysfunction doesn’t just impact service members and their families, it places unnecessary strain on public safety and the wellbeing of the American people. The Coast Guard lives by its motto, Semper Paratus, meaning Always Ready, and government inefficiency should never stand in the way of their ability to carry out that vital mission.”
While political disagreements are inevitable, they should never come at the expense of military readiness or the financial security of those who volunteer to serve. Interruptions in pay and uncertainty around funding create avoidable hardships for Coast Guard families and introduce risk into missions that protect American communities and commerce.
CVA is calling on policymakers to act swiftly to restore funding, ensure Coast Guard members are paid, and prevent future disruptions that jeopardize national security and public safety.
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