In light of the President's statement yesterday regarding the debt ceiling, suggesting that "we might not be able to pay our troops," U.S. Representative Duncan Hunter, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, will soon introduce legislation to ensure military paychecks are not interrupted.
The legislation will guarantee that all military personnel, in addition to support personnel serving in combat zones, receive a paycheck in the event the debt ceiling is reached or there is a lapse in federal appropriations.
"America's military men and women fight to defend our freedom without asking for much in return," said Hunter, a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Whether they are fighting in Afghanistan or supporting operations elsewhere, servicemembers deserve assurance that they will not be denied a paycheck. And if paychecks are withheld, it's because the President, as commander in chief, made a decision not to pay them.
"Especially for those who are serving overseas while their families are at home, the threat of not getting paid can create unnecessary distractions. Removing the threat that paychecks might be withheld or delayed will provide a sense of relief and allow our servicemembers to stay focused on their duties."