The Coast Guard Foundation yesterday announced the activation of its emergency relief program as the federal government approaches a potential shutdown. Unless Congress votes to fund the government, most federal agencies will shut down Oct. 1 at 12:01 (EDT).
During a shutdown, the Coast Guard continues to operate as an essential service, but members are not paid unless special legislation is passed. The Coast Guard Foundation said in a statement that it is ready to respond with emergency support if a budget is not passed by the deadline.
“Our Coast Guard personnel dedicate their lives to ensuring our safety and security, often under challenging conditions,” foundation president Susan Ludwig said in the statement. “During government shutdowns, these brave service members continue to perform their duties without pay, putting their own well-being at risk. We believe it is our duty to step in and provide them with the support they need in times of crisis.”
According to the statement, the 2019 government shutdown left the Coast Guard’s roughly 50,000 employees, including nearly 42,000 active-duty families, without pay for more than a month. The Coast Guard Foundation provided more than $575,000 in relief to cover basic necessities for Coast Guard families.
Click here to donate to the Coast Guard Foundation’s emergency relief program.
