As the deadline for a potential partial government shutdown looms, two Senate Republicans are spearheading an initiative to guarantee that military members continue to receive their pay. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska is at the forefront of this effort, seeking to 'hotline' a bill that would ensure all armed services and the coast guard are paid in the event of a shutdown.
The 'hotline' procedure, typically used for passing procedural motions or noncontroversial measures, allows for swift passage of bills with minimal public debate. Senator Sullivan is scheduled to request unanimous consent for consideration of the bill at 6 p.m., titled the Pay Our Troops Act.
The bill has garnered support from a coalition of Republican senators, including Lisa Murkowski, Ted Budd, Thom Tillis, Steve Daines, Lindsey Graham, Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, Tommy Tuberville, Kevin Cramer, Roger Wicker, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Ted Cruz, Mike Rounds, and JD Vance.
Senator Murkowski emphasized the importance of ensuring military personnel do not face financial uncertainty due to political gridlock, stating that it is a non-negotiable priority for her. However, Senate Democrats are expected to object to the request, a move they have made in the past.
On the House side, Representative Jen Kiggans of Virginia is advocating for a similar bill to be brought to a vote. Kiggans stressed the need to provide reassurance to the military in case of a government shutdown and has engaged with House GOP leaders to advance her proposal.
While efforts are underway to avert a shutdown, the proactive measures taken by these lawmakers underscore the commitment to ensuring that military members are not impacted by potential political impasses.
