The Coast Guard fight is not over

Dear American Legion Family and Friends,

When our Coast Guard brothers and sisters were recently ensnared by the federal government shutdown, The American Legion came through.

American Legion posts rallied to support their local Coast Guard units. Legionnaires donated to the Veterans and Childrens Foundation, which funds Temporary Financial Assistance grants that were distributed to Coast Guard families in need. Departments and staff members quickly processed applications to deliver the grants.

It’s a testament to our nearly 100 years of support for servicemembers and their families.

Even though the longest government shutdown is over and Coast Guard personnel are getting paid once again, our fight is not over. There is a deadline of Feb. 15 to resolve the impasse over funding for the president’s proposed border wall. If no agreement is reached, another shutdown may occur.

We can’t let our Coast Guard brothers and sisters face another extended period without a paycheck. That’s why in the coming weeks, I will be visiting with congressional representatives, Coast Guard members and others to share the Legion’s concern.

I will make it clear that The American Legion supports a House bill to allow for the Coast Guard to be paid during future government shutdowns, just like members of the other four military branches. Join me in encouraging the House of Representatives to demand immediate passage of H.R. 367, the Pay Our Coast Guard Act. To speak to your member of Congress, call 202-224-3121.

However, if the president and Congress fail to do the right thing in support of the Coast Guard, I know that The American Legion will once again step in.

Our members have demonstrated unwavering support for active-duty military members for a century. And in the case of the recent government shutdown, once again The American Legion played the role of savior for families in need.

I certainly hope it doesn’t come to that again. But if it does, I have faith that The American Legion will once again be a shining example of service. Thank you for what you do every day for America’s veterans, servicemembers and their families.