Congress Members Urge Trump to Safeguard Coast Guard Pay During DHS Shutdown

Led by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), over a dozen Congress members on Friday urged President Trump to ensure that U.S. Coast Guard salaries remain secure amid the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown.

Malliotakis articulated concerns, noting, “More than 41,000 active duty and reserve Coast Guard members could miss their pay on February 27th unless the DHS receives necessary funding.” This sentiment was echoed in a letter addressed to Trump from her and 12 colleagues, whose districts are home to considerable Coast Guard operations.

“The Coast Guard is a vital military branch, and it’s troubling that its personnel are caught in partisan disputes,” the letter stated.

They expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as political tactics from leaders like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The members stressed the importance of the Coast Guard not being used as a bargaining chip in political conflicts.

They called upon Trump to “utilize every authority available” to ensure that these dedicated service members receive their paychecks.

“These brave individuals have served this country loyally; they deserve a government that fulfills its commitments,” the lawmakers emphasized.

The current funding lapse for DHS began on February 14 following Congress’s inability to finalize a long-term budget for the department.

While agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continue to receive funding, the Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are feeling the financial strain.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will also face repercussions from the shutdown, but their first paycheck is not expected to be affected until mid-March.

White House press secretary Caroline Levitt remarked earlier this week that essential workers at FEMA, the Coast Guard, and TSA are set to work without pay, attributing this situation to what she called Democratic political maneuvers against Trump.

Levitt expressed that the president finds the situation “irresponsible and despicable,” reiterating his desire for the government to remain operational.

Meanwhile, Schumer indicated during the weekend that he would not support any efforts to lift the shutdown without agreement on “three fundamental goals” aimed at reforming ICE.

These goals reportedly include ceasing ICE patrols, improving accountability for immigration officials, and prohibiting ICE officers from wearing masks.

Negotiations are ongoing between Schumer and the White House regarding DHS funding as Congress takes a break for the week.

This latest funding snag marks the third government shutdown in three months.

During the previous long shutdown, Trump had directed the Pentagon to utilize various accounts to ensure military personnel received their paychecks.

The White House has not yet responded to requests for additional comments.