CWOAUSCG Members - Write to Congress!

By Aniela Szymanski, Chief Policy Officer

The House of Representatives was not in session this past week, but the budget deadlines are fast approaching. Government agencies are already preparing for how they will respond if the March 8 deadline arrives with no federal funding in place.

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To help keep the Pay Our Coast Guard bill at the forefront of their minds, we are asking you, your family, and your friends to contact members of Congress to send them the below letter. You can find your Congressional members' contact information here: https://www.house.gov/representatives.


Good afternoon (Congressman/Congresswoman) _________, 
I am (name), and a member of the Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association of the U.S. Coast Guard. Today, I am writing in unity with the approximately 50,000 currently serving Coast Guard members to ask for your support on an important legislative matter. We are concerned about the upcoming federal budget deadlines, because Coast Guard members will not be paid if there is a lapse in the appropriations process. With that in mind, we ask for your help in passing HR 2693 or HR 5842, either of which would ensure that we continue to receive pay in case government funding lapses.
Unfortunately, we are very familiar with the struggles that missed paychecks can bring.  Just a few years ago, Coast Guard service members were forced to turn to food banks and other non-profits to meet our families’ needs during a 35-day funding gap. At the time, the issue was covered by ABC news in this video clip and by CBS in this one. These funding challenges make it harder for us to work longer days, and when considering yearly recruiting shortages, it will become even more difficult for us to make sure that our nation is adequately protected.
Ensuring that we receive continued pay is essential to the security of our nation. That is why we are asking you to support us in acting swiftly to pass the Pay Our Coast Guard Act (HR 2693) or the Coast Guard Sustained Funding Act of 2023 (HR 5842). These bills will ensure that all of us continue to receive pay during possible funding lapses, which will allow us to better provide for our families and our nation. Thank you for your help, and I look forward to hearing back soon.
Sincerely,
(Name)

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