Stutzman Introduces Legislation to Pay National Guard During Shutdown

Press Release

This morning, U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman introduced the GARDS Act, "Guard Appropriation Restoration During Shutdown Act," legislation to ensure that our nation's National Guard is paid during the government shutdown.

"The men and women who serve in our nation's National Guard and their families should not be victims of President Obama and Senate Democrats' shutdown. Yet that is what is happening as Harry Reid has rejected four House-passed bills to keep the government open and our National Guard paid.

"I've introduced legislation to fully fund operations and pay for the National Guard during this shutdown. After speaking with Governor Pence and Maj. General Umbarger, I am convinced that decisive action must be taken at the federal level to take care of these men and women who have answered the call of duty and selflessly serve our country and state. If Senate Democrats are unwilling to negotiate on comprehensive legislation, let's start with areas of agreement--let's start by standing up for our National Guard."

Background:

· According to recent news reports, 1,000 Indiana National Guard employees were furloughed Tuesday.

· While the Senate has passed and President Obama has signed the House-passed bill, H.R. 3210 the Pay Our Military Act, to pay the salaries and allowances of members of the Armed Forces, separate legislation is required to ensure pay and operations for the National Guard.

·Stutzman's bill fully funds National Guard operations during the government shutdown and amends the Pay Our Military Act, recently signed into law by President Obama, to ensure members of the National Guard, military technicians, and critical personnel remain paid during the government shutdown.

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