April 08, 2011

Manchin Supports Legislation to Ensure Members of the Military Receive Pay During Government Shutdown

Washington, D.C. — After pledging to return his pay to the U.S. Treasury for as long as the government shuts down, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced that he will also cosponsor legislation to ensure that military personnel – including all active, reserve, and Coast Guard – will continue to receive their pay without interruption in the event of a government shutdown. Without this legislation, members of the military will experience a delay in their pay for serving this nation.

“If we cannot work together and reach a commonsense budget deal, I refuse to stand by and allow the brave men and women who defend this nation – and their families who already sacrifice so much – to suffer financially,” Senator Manchin said. “I believe we must lead by example, and that is why I will not accept any pay while the government is shut down, and why we must stand up and keep our promises to the brave men and women who serve this nation. To my colleagues on both sides of the aisle: we must recognize the terrible consequences of putting politics before our priorities.”

Senator Manchin is also re-circulating a letter, released yesterday, calling on the President, the Vice-President, and his Congressional colleagues to support his “No Budget, No Pay” pledge. The “No Budget, No Pay” pledge has already been signed by nearly 40 members who promise to give their federal salary to the U.S. Treasury Department or to charity for as long as the government is shut down.

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