Press Releases

Calls on Colleagues to Put Politics Aside

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) today pressed the Congress to prevent a government shutdown, but expressed grave concern that troops may not be paid in the event of a government shutdown. Midday reports cited an administration official stating that “Service members will not get paid and a significant number of Defense Department civilian employees will be furloughed,” if the government fails to reach an agreement.

“I am not in favor of a government shutdown, and believe we must get a budget done as soon as possible,” Wittman said. “My goal is to cut spending and reduce the size of government, not to shut it down. However, with less than three days before the government could shutter its doors, we must ensure regardless of a budget deal or not, our troops get paid. It is unconscionable to not pay our men and women who are risking their lives overseas to protect our freedom. Our men and women in uniform across the globe protect our freedom even as politicians bicker here at home. Washington, DC, is so out of touch with reality that they will forgo a budget at the expense of our troops and their families? This is totally unacceptable. These folks have families back here at home, and we must make sure they can buy groceries and provide for their children. These families already sacrifice tremendously, worrying about the safety of their loved ones, and Congress has already exacerbated the problem by creating this worry amongst our military families. Congress should do everything within its power, bypass the 72-hour review rule and get this done for our troops. It is the least we can do for their sacrifice.”

In February, Wittman supported legislation to fund the federal government through September 30, 2011 (H.R. 1).

This week, Wittman joined with House colleagues to encourage passage of the Ensuring Pay for Our Military Act, which would appropriate necessary funds to ensure that members of the military, including reserve components, continue to receive pay and allowances for their service when a funding gap occurs. He also joined over 80 House colleagues in a letter to Senator Harry Reid, calling on the Senator to ensure pay for service men and women in the event the Senate fails to pass legislation preventing a government shutdown.   

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